Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan recently reflected on the franchise’s saddest moment. He recalled that despite having a strong lineup, the team consistently lost during its early years. Khan revealed that someone had once remarked that KKR’s jersey was the only good thing about the team, not their on-field performances.
These comments were particularly painful for him. Expressing his happiness about KKR’s turnaround after Gautam Gambhir joined, Shah Rukh shared his thoughts in a conversation with Star Sports.
“I still remember, which was the saddest moment, kisi ne mujhe aise bola ‘inka costume hi achha hai, inka game play to achhai hai hi nahi’ (someday said to me ‘only their jersey is nice, not their game’). I remember some expert talking this. It used to hurt. To come back with GG (Gautam Gambhir) and do this was outstanding. It taught us how to lose but never be losers and never give up hope. Sports teaches you that.”
EXCLUSIVE CHAT with SRK: Shah Rukh Khan recounts the Kolkata Knight Riders' rise in the IPL, with Gautam Gambhir leading them to two titles! 💜
In this interview with Star Sports, Shahrukh Khan talks about having the nicest set of teams in the world and their comeback story!… pic.twitter.com/yCK55Kzve5
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 25, 2024
Under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, Kolkata won IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. He was brought in as a mentor for the current season, a decision that has significantly benefited the team. KKR are now gearing up for their fourth final, where they will face SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26, in the IPL 2024 final.
“He is the best owner I have worked with” – Gautam Gambhir comments on Shah Rukh Khan
KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir highly praised Shah Rukh Khan’s working style as the co-owner of the Kolkata team. He highlighted how the famous actor has allowed the team management full autonomy.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Gambhir shared insights into his relationship with Shah Rukh:
“I have a fabulous relation with him (Shah Rukh Khan). He is the best owner I have worked with. The reason is not just that he is humble, or he is pretty grounded. There are many reasons. When you come into the profession of sports, this is such a big leveller. There are no retakes as well. In movies, you can get retakes but in cricket or sports in general, if you play a wrong shot or bowled a wrong delivery, there are no retakes.”
“I don’t think he has ever interfered in cricketing matters, and it is a big thing for someone like me. Because you have that freedom or decision-making, you have that freedom and trust. I know that whatever decision I will take, he will back me. That is the reason we have got results as well,” he added.
Shah Rukh Khan is anticipated to be in the stands in Chennai to support KKR in the IPL 2024 final against SRH. The match begins at 7:30 PM IST.
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