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Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has shed light on his interactions with the former captain of the franchise, Dinesh Karthik ahead of the Mumbai Indians (MI) clash. He said that when he sees Karthik playing well, he calls him up to congratulate him. He also tells him that he could have played for KKR like this.
Karthik finished his tenure as the second-most successful captain of the KKR franchise after Gautam Gambhir. Karthik was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2022 auction for ₹5.50 crore.
I still call Dinesh Karthik: Shah Rukh Khan
"When Dinesh Karthik plays well, I still call him and say, 'You played well, buddy. Wish you had played like this for us,” Shahrukh Khan told Star Sports.
‘Lovely relationship with Gautam over the years’
Gautam Gambhir stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor before the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and returned to KKR as a mentor. Gambhir is the most successful captain for KKR as he led the franchise to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 editions.
“This is the lovely relationship with Gautam over the years, and for him, it's a big homecoming. You know, to come here, win two championships for us, and for himself to be back like this and to be doing what he's doing with the team, outside the team, and helping him, you know, from the culture that KKR stands for, I think it's immensely important. And very, very happy, just make him smile a bit,” Shahrukh Khan added.
Shahrukh Khan also lavished praise on the West Indian duo of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. He said that they have supported the team as part of the family. In IPL 2024, Narine has emerged as a consistent performer for KKR, both with the bat and the ball.
“Just like heroes, sometimes they get a little tired even with a slight touch, so you have to be careful with Andre. He's one of those players who are an integral part of KKR. KKR, for me, means Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. They've been with us for so many years, and I think the way they have supported the team and the young players who come in, then they play together in CPL, and even in Dubai, they're like part of the family. Imagine KKR without these guys. When they get injured, it feels awful to wonder how we'll manage without them. It's so crucial,” Shahrukh Khan concluded.
In the ongoing IPL, KKR have played nine matches and won six encounters. The side stands in second position in the points table.
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