Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the team owned by Shah Rukh Khan, has had a roller-coaster journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since its inception in 2008, KKR has won three IPL titles. However, the franchise’s early years were marked by struggles, with the team finishing sixth out of eight in the inaugural season. The situation got even more heated in 2009, when KKR was at the center of a public dispute involving cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar.
The Conflict with Sunil Gavaskar
Before the start of IPL’s second season in 2009, KKR’s then-coach John Buchanan introduced the controversial “multiple-captain theory,” which was widely criticized. Sunil Gavaskar, a veteran commentator and cricketer, questioned the approach and even hinted that Shah Rukh Khan and the KKR management didn’t know how to run a cricket team. In his column for The Telegraph, Gavaskar not only criticized the multiple-captain theory but also implied that KKR’s owners were being taken advantage of by the management, especially by Buchanan’s Queensland-based associates.
Shah Rukh Khan, known for his passion and strong opinions, responded defiantly, saying that if Gavaskar had a problem with how KKR was run, he should buy his own team. “Maine paisa kharch kiya yaar, bahut passion hai” (I’ve spent the money, there’s too much passion). The exchange escalated into a war of words, with SRK calling Gavaskar’s remarks “ungentlemanly” and expressing his frustration with the criticism.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Response and Apology
In a documentary series called Living with KKR, Shah Rukh opened up about the conflict, saying that no one likes to be “picked on,” especially after a tough season. He explained that while he owned the team, he didn’t claim to know everything about cricket, comparing his role to that of someone owning a VFX company without knowing the technicalities of the work. He also emphasized the importance of learning how to lose with respect, noting that sport is about taking both victories and losses gracefully.
Also Read: Grok Ai’s shocking verdict! Shah Rukh Khan beats Salman Khan in acting talent – Here’s why
A few days after the heated exchange, Shah Rukh Khan extended an olive branch to Sunil Gavaskar. He apologized for his remarks, admitting that the response was made out of defensiveness. SRK even wrote an apology letter to Gavaskar, acknowledging his mistake and emphasizing his respect for the cricket legend’s views on the game. Despite the early tension, the incident highlighted SRK’s deep passion for his team and his willingness to learn from the experience.
A Journey of Growth for KKR
Since that incident, KKR’s journey in IPL has been one of growth and success, with the team now having three IPL trophies to its name. The 2009 controversy, while heated, became a part of the team’s legacy, with Shah Rukh Khan’s leadership and resilience playing a key role in their rise within the tournament.
