Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will start their IPL 2025 journey with a high-intensity encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Having won their third IPL crown in the last season, KKR has kept the majority of its core group intact, eyeing a record fourth title.
One presence that has remained constant through KKR’s 18-year journey has been Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan. The co-owner of the franchise, SRK has been more than an investor—his unrelenting passion and energy for the team have made him its largest supporter.
Before the new season, a video posted by KKR’s official social media handles featured SRK giving an inspiring address to the players and support staff in the dressing room. The actor’s motivational speech, replete with encouragement, has further generated buzz among fans.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Motivational Speech to KKR Players
SRK started his speech by thanking KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit, who played a key role in guiding the team to a successful last season. “Please be healthy, be happy. And thank you, Chandu sir, for taking care of them,” he stated
Greeting new players to the squad, SRK welcomed the fresh faces in the team and showed faith in KKR’s new captain, Ajinkya Rahane.
“Thank you Ajinkya for joining us and being our captain. God bless you, and I hope you will find a good home here, and play well with all of us. God bless you all. Have a good evening, a good match, and be healthy all of you,” he said.
View this post on Instagram
As KKR prepares to take on RCB at the legendary Eden Gardens, SRK’s words have given the team a morale boost. “Please be healthy, be happy. And thank you Chandu sir, for looking after them,” he said.
SRK’s Kolkata Arrival Leaves Fans in Frenzy
The hype around KKR’s IPL opener increased further as Shah Rukh Khan landed in Bengaluru on Friday evening. The Bollywood superstar, famous for his dynamic presence at Eden Gardens, will be supporting his team when they take to the field on Saturday.
Shah Rukh Khan arrives in #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/uRCvs80KVp
— Chottu Matabbar Journalist (@Chottu_news88) March 21, 2025
Wearing a simple but elegant attire—a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and waistcoat—SRK walked through Kolkata airport with bodyguards and security officials around him. His arrival created a frenzy among his fans, and his videos on social media depicted him waving, kissing, and thumbing up for the cheering audience.
The airport rang out with shouts of “Love you, King Saab!” as fans celebrated the return of the celebrated actor. His presence is likely to boost the already charged atmosphere at Eden Gardens, where thousands of spectators will watch the season’s much-awaited opening match.
KKR Set to Face RCB in IPL 2025 Opener
Under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will seek to begin their title defense on a positive note against a strong RCB team. With a full house, celebrity-galore crowd, and SRK basking in the glory of the action from the stands, the scene is set for an exciting affair.
Fans are waiting with bated breath for KKR’s performance in the upcoming season, expecting their team to carry on its winning streak. With Shah Rukh Khan’s unflinching support and a talented team at their command, KKR is still a strong candidate for the IPL 2025 championship.
