Cricket

KKR's Triumphant Victory: Shah Rukh Khan's Heartfelt Kiss for Gautam GambhirKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final, securing their third IPL title. The triumph was marked by an emotional moment between co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and mentor Gautam Gambhir, who shared a heartfelt kiss amidst the jubilant celebrations.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory. His strategic insights, leadership skills, and ability to motivate the players were instrumental in KKR's successful campaign.The match witnessed a sensational opening spell from Mitchell Starc, who helped KKR bowl out Hyderabad for IPL's lowest total of 113 in a final. Starc's figures of 2-14 showcased his exceptional bowling skills.Kolkata's batsmen had an easy task, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer forming a 91-run partnership to lead the team to victory with 9.3 overs to spare.The victory was a testament to the strong bond within the KKR family. Shah Rukh Khan's kiss for Gambhir symbolized the deep respect and gratitude he holds for the mentor's unwavering dedication.

Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan made a triumphant return to the public eye at the IPL Final against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, just days after being hospitalized for a heat stroke. Accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan and children Suhana and Aryan, SRK witnessed KKR's remarkable bowling performance that ultimately led to their victory.SRK's appearance at the match was a testament to his unwavering support for his team, despite his recent health scare. The actor was seen wearing a mask throughout the game, but his enthusiasm and excitement were evident as he celebrated KKR's success alongside his family.Meanwhile, on the field, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first. However, KKR's bowlers put on a dominant display, restricting SRH to a modest total of 168 runs. Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, and Harshit Rana were the standout performers for KKR, taking three wickets each.In response, KKR's batters chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a solid opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine. Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer also made significant contributions, ensuring KKR's fourth IPL title.SRK's presence at the final was a fitting end to a memorable IPL season for KKR. The team's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, and SRK's unwavering support played a significant role in their success.

Shah Rukh Khan Recovers from Heat Stroke, Departs for IPL Final in ChennaiBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has made a swift recovery from a heat stroke and was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Sunday, departing for Chennai with his family. The actor, who is a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricket team, is set to attend the IPL final between KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk Stadium.Khan, who has been a regular presence at cricket grounds this season, has been passionately supporting his team. His energetic presence, whether cheering from the stands or engaging with players from both teams, has made him a standout co-owner. His support during KKR's Qualifier 1 match against SRH significantly boosted the morale of the "men in purple."Earlier, Khan had to be hospitalized due to a heat stroke caused by the severe heatwave in Ahmedabad. Fortunately, he was discharged a few hours later. Although Khan has not publicly addressed the incident, his manager Pooja Dadlani provided an update on Instagram, expressing gratitude on his behalf."To all of Mr Khan's fans and well-wishers - he is doing well. Thank you for your love, prayers, and concern," Dadlani captioned her post.Khan's KKR business partners Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta visited him at the Ahmedabad hospital, ensuring that he received the best care and support.As the Khan family arrives in Chennai, their presence is expected to further invigorate the KKR team ahead of the highly anticipated IPL final. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams, and Khan's support will undoubtedly be a major boost for KKR.

Kolkata Knight Riders: From Underdogs to Champions with Gautam GambhirTwo-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to face off against 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final of IPL 2024 in Chennai on Sunday. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has reflected on the franchise's journey from underdogs to champions, crediting former skipper Gautam Gambhir for their success.In an interview with Star Sports, Khan recalled the early days of KKR, when the team struggled to find its footing in the IPL. "We had the nicest set of team in the world, but we kept on losing only again and again," he said. "I remember some expert talking this. It used to hurt."However, everything changed with the arrival of Gambhir as captain in 2011. Under his leadership, KKR transformed into a formidable force, winning the IPL title in 2012 and 2014. "To come back with GG (Gautam Gambhir) and do this was outstanding," Khan said. "It taught us how to lose but never be losers and never give up hope. Sports teaches you that."Gambhir's impact on KKR went beyond his on-field performances. He instilled a winning mentality in the team, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and never giving up. "He was a leader who led by example," Khan said. "He was a fighter, and he never gave up. He taught us how to win, but more importantly, he taught us how to lose with dignity."KKR's success under Gambhir's leadership is a testament to the power of belief and the importance of having a strong leader. The franchise has since become one of the most successful in the IPL, and their journey from underdogs to champions is an inspiration to all.

Shah Rukh Khan's Humility and Inspiration Inspire Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL FinalKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured their spot in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. The team's success has been attributed not only to their on-field performances but also to the unwavering support and inspiration provided by their co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.After the match, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer expressed their admiration for Khan's humility and guidance. Iyer praised Khan's ability to connect with the players on a personal level, saying, "His presence itself gets that zest in the team environment and the attitude and approach automatically changes."Venkatesh Iyer highlighted Khan's role in motivating the team, particularly those dealing with injuries. "His pep talk had not just lifted me but the likes of Nitish Rana who was dealing with injuries," he said. "To come back from injury and to perform is a really big task."Khan's influence extends beyond the field. He is known for his active involvement in the team's decision-making and his unwavering belief in the players' abilities. This support has created a positive and encouraging atmosphere within the KKR camp.The team's success in Qualifier 1 is a testament to the impact of Khan's leadership and inspiration. Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 97-run partnership for the third wicket propelled KKR to victory with more than six overs to spare.Since 2018, the team that has won Qualifier 1 has gone on to win the IPL trophy. KKR will now look to continue this trend and secure their fourth IPL title in their fourth final appearance.

Shah Rukh Khan's Heartwarming Gesture After Unintentional Interruption of CommentatorsDuring the post-match celebrations of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) emphatic victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024, co-owner Shah Rukh Khan inadvertently interrupted commentators Suresh Raina, Akaash Chopra, and Parthiv Patel during their on-field broadcast.As KKR secured a resounding eight-wicket triumph, a jubilant Shah Rukh embarked on a lap of honor to acknowledge the cheering fans. However, in his excitement, he unknowingly crossed paths with the commentators, who were providing their analysis of the game.The momentary interruption was met with a heartwarming gesture from Shah Rukh. Realizing his mistake, he immediately apologized and embraced Chopra, acknowledging the inconvenience he had caused.Shah Rukh's genuine remorse and subsequent apology were a testament to his humility and respect for the commentators. The incident highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the IPL community.Meanwhile, KKR's victory was a testament to their dominance throughout the tournament. Pacer Mitchell Starc's devastating spell in the powerplay, claiming three wickets, set the tone for their bowling performance. Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure, with only Rahul Tripathi and Heinrich Klaasen offering significant resistance.In response, KKR's openers, Venkatesh Iyer and skipper Shreyas Iyer, put on an unbeaten partnership to guide their team to victory in just 13.4 overs. Iyer's 58 not out and Iyer's 51 not out showcased their exceptional batting skills and composure under pressure.With this win, KKR secured their place in the IPL 2024 final, marking their fourth appearance in the championship match. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, will have one more opportunity to reach the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Chennai on Friday.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricket team batter, has expressed his admiration for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling him the best owner he has ever worked with. Gambhir, who led KKR to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles as captain, returns to the franchise in 2024 as a mentor.Gambhir's relationship with Khan dates back to 2011 when he first joined KKR. He praised Khan for his humility, groundedness, and non-interference in cricketing matters."I have a fabulous relationship with him. For me, he is the best owner I have worked with. And the reason is not just that he is humble, he is pretty grounded," Gambhir said on Sportskeeda."I don't think he has ever interfered in cricketing matters and it is a very big thing for someone like me because you get the freedom of decision-making. You have the freedom and trust that whatever decision I take, I know he's going to back me."Gambhir believes that the trust between him and Khan has been instrumental in their success."And more importantly, that's why we have got the results as well. My relationship with him is fantastic and not just now but since I first joined KKR in 2011.""But again as you said, SRK is an emotion, I think KKR is an emotion for me as well. That's why I feel that when any relationship starts on trust, that trust then goes a long way.""It's the trust between us because I know he will never involve himself in cricketing matters and he knows that any decision I take will be in the best interests of the team and not for anything else," he added.Gambhir's return to KKR as a mentor is expected to bring valuable experience and guidance to the team. His close relationship with Khan and his understanding of the franchise's culture will be key assets in his new role.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy has lauded team owner Shah Rukh Khan's motivational speeches for their positive impact on the team during challenging moments in the ongoing IPL season.Chakravarthy's remarks come in contrast to the criticism faced by Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka for publicly reprimanding skipper KL Rahul after a record defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad.KKR also experienced a tough loss at Eden Gardens on April 26, when Punjab Kings achieved a world record chase of 262 in just 18.4 overs. However, Chakravarthy revealed that Khan's presence and words of encouragement had a significant impact on the team."SRK has been present in almost all matches in Kolkata. Even in the match where we didn't do well, he came to the dressing room and spoke to every player for an hour and hugged everyone," Chakravarthy said."He said 'it's just a match, cricket is changing, just try to be better in the next match'. This time, I see a massive difference because the way he has been very understanding, he's been very approachable, it has made a huge impact. I also got to meet him for the first time."KKR currently sits atop the IPL standings, and a win against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Saturday will secure their playoff spot with two games remaining. Chakravarthy emphasized that despite MI's elimination from the playoff race, they remain a formidable opponent."We don't have any edge over MI because they are out of the tournament. They are a champion side," Chakravarthy said. "They are full of stars and match winners, and a very dangerous team anywhere. Even if we have to win one match to qualify, we have to be well-prepared and on our toes and look to finish in top-two."Despite facing some challenges, KKR has managed to win eight of their 11 matches. Chakravarthy believes that consistency is key to their success."When you're on top of the table, it gives you more responsibility," he said. "The best thing we can do right now is being consistent which is tougher than trying to find out something and improve on it. It's about doing the basics right."

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's three-year stadium ban, imposed after an altercation with security staff during Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) last victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in 2012, has finally been broken. KKR's 12-year drought at the venue came to an end on Friday, as they defeated MI by 24 runs, effectively eliminating the hosts from playoff contention.KKR's bowling unit played a pivotal role in the victory, restricting MI to 145 all out in 18.5 overs. Mitchell Starc led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Venkatesh Iyer's 70 runs helped KKR post a competitive total of 169.The win marked several milestones:* KKR's first victory at the Wankhede in 12 years, with their previous triumph coming in 2012.* Only the fourth instance in 33 head-to-head matches where MI was bowled out by KKR.* The fourth IPL match where both teams were all-out.* Jasprit Bumrah's record-extending 23rd three-wicket haul in the IPL.* MI's fifth loss while chasing this season.KKR's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they overcame the jinx at the Wankhede and took a significant step towards securing a playoff berth. The win also marked a special moment for Shah Rukh Khan, who witnessed his team's triumph from the stands.