Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan met with the team ahead of their highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The match, set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, will kick off the latest edition of the tournament with a thrilling clash between two powerhouse franchises.

Shah Rukh, known for his unwavering support of KKR, landed in Kolkata ahead of the game and took time to interact with the players, offering words of encouragement. The official KKR social media handle shared a video capturing the moment, which has since gone viral, with fans showering love on the actor's heartfelt message.
During his interaction with the players, Shah Rukh Khan delivered an inspiring speech, expressing gratitude to the coaching staff and welcoming the new members of the squad. He said:
"God bless you. Please be healthy, be happy. And thank you Chandu sir for looking after them. Welcome aboard to the new members. Thank you Ajinkya for joining us and being our captain. God bless you and I hope you will find a good home here and play well with all of us. God bless you all. Have a good evening, a good match, and be healthy all of you."
Shah Rukh's words resonated deeply with the players, setting a positive tone ahead of their season opener. His presence has been a source of motivation for the team over the years, as he has frequently supported them from the stands, including during their title-winning campaign last season.
In addition to his speech, Shah Rukh was seen interacting with key players such as Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, and Venkatesh Iyer. A particularly touching moment in the video showed the superstar kissing Rinku Singh on the forehead, a gesture that highlighted his close bond with the team. He also met Dwayne Bravo, who has joined KKR's coaching staff, further strengthening the squad's support system.
The video of his visit quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising his dedication and love for the franchise. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with many users calling him the "best team owner" for his genuine involvement and unwavering support.
Before KKR and RCB lock horns in the first match of IPL 2025, a spectacular opening ceremony is set to take place at Eden Gardens. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood actress Disha Patani and renowned singers Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh will perform at the grand event, adding to the excitement of the season's commencement.
As KKR and RCB prepare to battle it out, history favours the Knight Riders in their head-to-head encounters. Since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, KKR has won 20 of their 34 matches against RCB. Fans still remember Brendon McCullum's legendary 158* in the first-ever IPL match, which gave KKR a dominant 140-run victory over RCB.
With both teams now under new leadership-Ajinkya Rahane captaining KKR and Rajat Patidar leading RCB-this season promises fresh dynamics and intense competition. KKR will be looking to defend their title, while RCB continues its hunt for its first-ever IPL trophy.
With Shah Rukh Khan's motivational words echoing in their minds, the KKR squad will step onto the field with renewed confidence, aiming to start their campaign on a winning note.