Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made history by securing their third IPL title with a dominant victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final at MA Chidambaram Stadium. This victory marked KKR’s second title win in Chennai, the first being in 2012 when they edged out Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling encounter. However, Sunday’s match was a one-sided affair as SRH struggled to put up a fight, allowing KKR to claim their third win over SRH this season.
Following the triumph, KKR co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated the historic win by joining the team on the ground and personally congratulating each player. In a touching moment, Shah Rukh kissed team mentor Gautam Gambhir on the forehead to show his gratitude for guiding the team to victory.
One of the highlights of the celebration was Shah Rukh’s interaction with young star Rinku Singh. The two shared a heartfelt hug and exclaimed “God’s Plan,” marking Rinku’s first IPL title win after seven seasons with KKR. “Outstanding feeling right now. Dream has come true – I have been here for 7 years and we are so happy. Credit to GG sir. I will finally lift the IPL trophy. It was God’s plan,” Rinku said in an interview after the match.
Shah Rukh Khan has often shown a soft spot for Rinku, who has been a key player for KKR in recent seasons. Despite limited opportunities this year due to the top-order’s exceptional performance, Rinku’s potential has always been acknowledged by the team and its owner.
In a related video, Shah Rukh Khan was spotted hiding behind an umbrella as he headed to the IPL Final post-hospitalization, underscoring his dedication to supporting his team. In another touching moment after the final, Shah Rukh kissed Gautam Gambhir’s forehead, celebrating the end of a decade-long wait for KKR’s third IPL title.
Ahead of India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement, Shah Rukh expressed his hope for Rinku’s inclusion in the team for the mega ICC event. Although Rinku wasn’t selected in the final 15, he will travel to the USA and West Indies as a traveling reserve. During an interview on Star Sports, Shah Rukh shared his optimism for Rinku’s World Cup prospects, stating, “Such amazing players are playing for the country. I am really looking forward to Rinku, Inshallah, being in the World Cup Squad and some other youngsters from other teams also. Some of them deserve it so much, but my personal wish is that Rinku makes it to the team. I will be so happy. That will be the high point for me,” he added.
Chief Scores:
Sunrisers Hyderabad 113 all out in 18.3 overs (Pat Cummins 24, Aiden Markram 20, Andre Russell 3 for 19, Mitchel Starc 2 for 14, Harshit Rana 2 for 24)
Kolkata Knight Riders 114 for 2 in 10.3 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 54 not out, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 39)
Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc (KKR)
Player of the Series: Sunil Narine (KKR)
