Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has showered praise on all-rounder Sunil Narine, calling him the team’s “Superman” and the key factor behind their current success in IPL 2024.
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KKR is currently sitting comfortably in second place in the points table, and Narine’s all-around brilliance has been a major contributor. His scorching batting displays – including a century, two fifties, and a significant number of wickets – have earned him Shah Rukh Khan’s high praise.
Sunil Narine: The Backbone of KKR Victories
In an interview on the Star Sports show ‘Knight Club Presents – King Khan’s Rules’, Shah Rukh Khan spoke extensively about Narine’s impact. He highlighted Narine’s pivotal role in KKR’s previous championship wins in 2012 and 2014, where Narine emerged as the leading wicket-taker among overseas spinners in the IPL, claiming 21 and 24 wickets respectively.
“In our house, we call him Superman, the god particle,” Khan said about the 35-year-old stalwart. “He’s a boss on the field, a player, a bowler, a batsman, a wicketkeeper, a fielder. He’s an ‘anything’ player.”
More Than Just a Cricketer: A True KKR Family Man
Shah Rukh Khan went on to express his deep appreciation for Narine’s character and loyalty to the team. He emphasized the all-rounder’s strong emotional connection with KKR, both on and off the field.
“He’s so spirited, so lovely,” Khan said. “We’re very fortunate to have players, Indian or foreign, who have deep feelings for the team… Sunil, like I said, he’s an ‘anything’ player.”
This deep connection extends beyond Narine. Khan revealed that the team’s philosophy relies heavily on both Narine and his fellow West Indian teammate, Andre Russell. He acknowledged the immense impact any injury to either player could have on the team’s performance.
“Imagine KKR without these guys. When they get injured, it feels awful to wonder how we’ll manage without them. It’s so crucial. They’ve been with us for so many years, and I think the way they have supported the team, they’re like part of the family,” Khan expressed.
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Russell: The Fashionista with a “Jai-Veeru” Bond
Shifting his focus to Andre Russell, Shah Rukh Khan acknowledged the player’s unique style and personality. He fondly described Russell as a “fashionista” who remains a trendsetter with his signature mohawk hairstyle, popularized since his early IPL days.
“Such a wonderful person to be around, and such a great cricketer,” Khan said. “He reminds us of the first big man like Universe Boss, Mr. Gayle. He’s like that, and I love the fact that he’s very fashion-conscious. He likes to dress well, do his hair.”
Khan also highlighted the heartwarming friendship between Russell and teammate Rinku Singh. He compared their bond to the iconic “Jai-Veeru” friendship from the classic Bollywood film “Sholay,” emphasizing their contrasting personalities that somehow create a strong connection.
“Rinku and he have such a strong bond, like the Jai-Veeru friendship,” Khan said. “They’re so different, yet they love each other and help each other as cricketers and as people.”
Gautam Gambhir: A Loyal Mentor
The interview concluded with Shah Rukh Khan expressing his delight at the return of Gautam Gambhir as the team mentor this season. Gambhir, a true KKR icon, led the franchise to two IPL victories and five playoff appearances during his captaincy stint.
“The great thing about Gautam Gambhir being back with us is that I never felt like he left us,” Khan said. “Whether he’s in our team or mentoring someone else, there’s never any animosity or competition with him.”
With a “Superman” like Sunil Narine leading the charge, a stylish “fashionista” like Russell by his side, and a loyal mentor like Gambhir guiding them, the Kolkata Knight Riders seem poised for a strong IPL 2024 campaign. Shah Rukh Khan’s heartfelt words reveal the deep connection these players have with the team, making their success not just about winning trophies, but about the family they’ve built within the KKR franchise.
