KKR vs SRH: Shah Rukh Khan recalls "the saddest moment" of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan revealed the "saddest moment" in his team's history in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shah Rukh Khan highlighted how Gautam Gambhir's return as a mentor during the IPL 2024 season helped the Kolkata Knight Riders overcome this challenging phase.

Gautam Gambhir led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain. The former Indian opener returned to the franchise as a mentor for the IPL 2024 season after KKR finished seventh in the previous two seasons. Gambhir served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023.

In the IPL 2024 season, Kolkata secured the top spot in the league stage with nine wins in 14 matches. The Shreyas Iyer-led team continued their dominance and became the first team to enter the final encounter. The Knight Riders defeated SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad on May 21.

The Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against Pat Cummins' SunRisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26. KKR have an opportunity to replicate their past success at Chepauk, where they clinched their maiden IPL title in 2012 by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Never Be Losers And Never Give Up Hope - Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan recalled the moment when someone commented that the team's playing kit was better than their gameplay, which deeply hurt. However, Shah Rukh highlighted the resilience shown by the team, particularly after Gautam Gambhir's return as a mentor.

"Having the nicest set of team in the world and we kept on losing only again and again. I still remember, which was the saddest moment, kisi ne mujhe aise bola 'inka costume hi achha hai, inka game play toh achhai hai hi nahi' (someday said to me 'only their playing kit is nice, not their game')," Shah Rukh said.

"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," he added.

Gautam Gambhir Has Immense Knowledge About The Game - Shreyas Iyer

Speaking to reporters before the final match, Shreyas Iyer highlighted how Gautam Gambhir's strategies have been instrumental in KKR's success. Iyer expressed hope that they would maintain their momentum in the final.

"I feel he (Gambhir) has immense knowledge about how the game has played, he has won two titles with KKR and his strategies have been spot on in terms of what execution we have to make. He adds a lot of cream in the team. Hopefully, we continue with the same momentum in the final as well with his knowledge being put out there," Iyer said.

Shreyas Iyer has scored 345 runs in 13 matches at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 146.19, with a best score of 58 runs against SunRisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. It's worth mentioning that the 29-year-old returned as KKR's captain for IPL 2024 after missing the last season due to injury.

Also read: KKR vs SRH: "Very confident that..." - Matthew Hayden and Kevin Pietersen name IPL 2024 champions