‘Inka costume hi achha hai’ – Shah Rukh Khan reflects on KKR’s saddest moment ahead of IPL 2024 Final

Kolkata Knight Riders have made it to their fourth final of the IPL (Indian Premier League). Dominating the 17th edition of the tournament, the side finished atop the standings and became the first team to reach the final of the marquee tournament.

However, things were not always smooth sailing for KKR. Back to the inception of the IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders used to find themselves at the bottom of the barrel in the early seasons of the tournament, and the franchise’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan recently came forward to talk about the lowest moment for him as the owner.

Back when the side underperformed despite having a stacked lineup, SRK overheard someone remarking that the side only had a good jersey but did not have the players to play good cricket. He also talked about how Gautam Gambhir’s inclusion in the squad helped them reach the top. It is worth noting that Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 and was appointed as the side’s mentor ahead of the IPL 2024.

“I still remember, which was the saddest moment, kisi ne mujhe aise bola ‘inka costume hi achha hai, inka game play to achha 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,” SRK told Star Sports.

I have a fabulous relation with him: Gautam Gambhir on SRK

The newly appointed mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, Gautam Gambhir, has done a marvellous job in helping the two-time champions reach yet another final of the tournament. In a recent conversation, Gambhir came forward to talk about his relationship with SRK and branded him as the best owner that he has ever played under.

“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,” Gambhir said.