We will try our best to return to Kolkata with the trophy: Shah Rukh

SRK
Shah Rukh Khan at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: Two time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders owner and Bollywood Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan is confident that his team will win the Indian Premier League title for the third time and return to the City of Joy again  to celebrate with the cricket fanatics of Kolkata at the Eden Gardens.

Shah Rukh could only visit Kolkata in KKR’s last match against table-toppers Mumbai Indians for his busy film shooting schedule, but unfortunately his team lost the match by nine runs.

“The way the crowd has supported us in every match, we will try our best to return here again — with the trophy,” Shah Rukh said while leaving Eden Gardens post-midnight after the rain-delayed match.

Gautam Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders have lost four out of their last five matches but still managed to qualify for the play-offs due to their good net run-rate +0.641, which is just behind table-toppers Mumbai Indians (+0.784).

“We lost closely in a few matches. It’s difficult now but that’s even better. We have to win three matches now (Eliminator, Play-off and Final),” he said, as KKR head to Bengaluru for their match on May 19.

“It was the last match in Kolkata and a bit unfortunate that none of them will be here. But even if we don’t return again to play a match this season, God-willing we will come back with the Trophy.”

Shah Rukh profusely praised the purple supporters for backing the team in highs and lows in the 10 editions with KKR winning the title twice in 2012 and 2014.

“All stadiums are good across India. But their full capacity is our half capacity. We always had full house, even when we were not doing well in earlier seasons,” he said.

“We have had lows and highs, some pain and joy. I think we could achieve all these because Kolkata supported us throughout even when we were down. Kolkata gave us the same support when we were not doing well.

“The attachment from Kolkata fans is helping us moving forward. We will forever remain purple. I really wanted to tell everyone that I was busy in work and could not come earlier,” he said.

“My daughter first came here as seven years old when we first played here, and she could not come this time because of her exams. Everyone says that this atmosphere is never seen anywhere in the world. My kids have attachment to the city.”

Shah Rukh hoped to follow the team in the play-offs in their quest for a record third title.

“I don’t give the team any message. I just hug them and wish them fitness and all the best. I’m here to give them love. We have an experienced coaching staff and senior players to guide the team. I just come to give them hug,” he signed off.