In an inspiring video, Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, sends warm wishes to new captain Ajinkya Rahane and the team as they gear up for their opening match against RCB. With a blend of nostalgia and hope, he encourages unity and performance.
Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner, has a special message for his team and its captain ahead of their opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
KKR shared the video on its official Instagram handle, captioned: “King Khan ka pyaar, Knights ke naam.”
Shah Rukh Khan, who in a previous video, greeted each player individually in the dressing room and embraced them warmly, addressed the team in this latest video.
The actor began his address with a “God bless you. Please be healthy, be happy,” and thanked the head coach Chandrakant Pandit (Chandu sir) for looking after the team.
But for the new KKR captain, Ajinkya Rahane, Shah Rukh Khan had a special message.
The opening ceremony is set to begin 45 minutes before the toss but expect real frills and thrills once the cricket starts. There’s always an extra edge when KKR and RCB face-off, no matter where in the world. And this is Eden, a ground with a penchant for magic and meltdowns. It’s where RCB was bowled out for 49, which is still the lowest total in IPL history. It’s where Sunil Narine is most frequently seen batting like a man possessed, and where a seething Virat Kohli once lost his cool over a no-ball height call. Add to that Andre Russell’s fireworks, Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery, and the baggage of past drama, you begin to get a sense of how much this fixture carries.
What makes it even more intriguing is that Eden is barely a fortress anymore. Since 2023, KKR have won just 50% of their home games, the exact same as RCB’s record at the Chinnaswamy. That is part of what makes this match-up compelling: two dangerous but vulnerable sides, brimming with firepower, both eager to launch a new three-year cycle on the right note. KKR boast the stronger spin unit; RCB, the more experienced pace attack. The question isn’t who has the better side; it’s whose strengths will rise to the surface when the music fades and the cricket begins.
Here’s what Shah Rukh Khan told Ajinkya Rahane:
“Thank you, Ajinkya, for joining us and being a captain. God bless you, and I hope you will find a good home here and play well with all of us,” Shah Rukh Khan told Ajinkya Rahane.
KKR vs RCB
KKR’s opening match against RCB has revived memories of the inaugural IPL game in 2008 when Brendon McCullum played a historic knock of 158 runs for KKR against the same opponent.
Both teams enter the season with a change in leadership. Ajinkya Rahane has taken over as KKR’s captain, while Rajat Patidar leads RCB. RCB is eager to break its four-match losing streak against KKR.
Spin bowling is expected to be a key factor in the game. KKR boasts an experienced spin attack featuring Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, supported by Moeen Ali and Anukul Roy.
On the other hand, Krunal Pandya leads RCB’s spin department, which is assisted by Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and young spinner Suyash Sharma, who played for KKR in 2023.
Both teams’ batting lineups promise an exciting contest. RCB’s explosive batting unit includes Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma.
Meanwhile, KKR’s batting order features Quinton de Kock, Rinku Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, and Venkatesh Iyer.