IPL: Know How Gautam Gambhir Convinced Shah Rukh Khan to Rope In Sunil Narine?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder, Sunil Narine has been instrumental for his franchise since Kolkata roped him in 2011 on the recommendation of former Kolkata skipper Gautam Gambhir.

Since then, he has become a match-winner for the side and has also led the bowling unit in two successful campaigns. Moreover, Narine has done well so far in this edition with both bat and ball.

So far he has picked up 14 wickets and backed it up with 277 runs at the top-order.

Moreover, Kolkata is currently at the third spot with 12 points from 12 games.

KKR will take on a resurgent Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Eden Gardens on May 15. Both the teams will be desperate to bag the crucial two points and inch closer to the playoffs.

However, back in 2011, nobody knew a word about Narine and the team owners were reluctant to pick him. It was Gambhir, who convinced the owners to rope in the wily customer when Windies played just three International matches.

The KKR management showed complete faith in their newly appointed captain in 2011 and roped West Indian cricketer Sunil Narine for Rs. 4.71 crore ($7,00,000).

Here is the conversation with KKR CEO Veny Mysore:

Venky: “Tomorrow is the auction, so who do you think we should go for?”

Gambhir: “Let’s go for Sunil Narine.”

Venky: “So who’s this guy?”

Gambhir: “Just remember the name, forget about who’s this guy. Just remember him.”

However, Mysore was not sure about Narine and asked Shah Rukh Khan to talk with Gambhir. Shah Rukh also asked Gautam whether he’s sure about his decision to which Gautam asked budget from SRK. After knowing that the budget, Gautam told Shah Rukh to go for Sunil only as they didn’t need anyone else.

Here’s the conversation:

Shah Rukh: “Should we go for someone else? You’re saying that we need to go with Sunil Narine?”

Gambhir: “Till what budget do you want to go in the auction? How much is the limit?”

Shah Rukh: “Two million. But who is this guy? Are you sure you want him?”

Gambhir: “Yes. And if the limit is two million, go to two million. We don’t need anyone else.”

Shah Rukh: “If you want him, we’ll get him.”

Meanwhile, Kolkata will want to put his superlative game against Rajasthan and bring two important points from the team, as Sunil Narine has to play a crucial role.

Also read: We have a problem without batting: Ravichandran Ashwin