Sunil Narine and Shah Rukh Khan [Source: @SrkClubDurgapur/X.com]
In the world of IPL, few relationships between owners and players have been as enduring as the one between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and their star all-rounder Sunil Narine. As KKR prepares for IPL 2025, Narine has shared his thoughts on team owner Shah Rukh Khan.
Narine offered a glimpse into the Bollywood superstar's hands-off management style that has contributed to the franchise's success.
Sunil Narine Reveals SRK's nature As An Owner
In an exclusive event conducted by Parimatch, OneCricket's senior correspondent Anurag Dasgupta had a chat with Narine. The West Indian all-rounder revealed what makes Shah Rukh Khan special as a franchise owner and how his approach helps players perform at their best.
"You think about him as someone else but I think the way he talks to everyone, I think he is very grounded. I think he loves everyone usually when he meets the team so he is one of the best owners you can ask for," Narine shared.
Narine further elaborated on the space that the owner gives to his players after a game whether it's a win or a lose.
"He just gives you all freedom at the end of the day to play cricket and enjoy the game. Whether you win, lose or draw, it's the same Shah Rukh Khan you will meet," Narine shared during the conversation.
The bond between Narine and KKR has been one of IPL's most successful partnerships. Since joining the franchise, the Caribbean mystery spinner has become synonymous with KKR's identity, contributing significantly to their success, including their IPL titles in 2012, 2014, and most recently in 2024.
Sunil Narine's Stellar IPL 2024 Season
Narine's praise for Khan comes on the heels of one of the most outstanding IPL seasons to date. The 2024 campaign saw Narine amass 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74. His transformation into a devastating opener provided KKR with explosive starts throughout their championship run and might give another shot in the upcoming season.
Narine also contributed significantly with the ball, claiming 17 wickets with a remarkable economy rate of 6.69. The highlight of Narine's season came when he smashed his maiden T20 century, a blistering 109 off 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals.
This achievement made him the only player in IPL history with both a century and a five-wicket haul, cementing his status as one of the league's greatest all-rounders.
KKR Gears Up for IPL 2025
As KKR gears up for their title defence in IPL 2025, preparations have already begun in earnest. Their campaign kicks off with a highly anticipated clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a fitting opener for the defending champions.
While Shah Rukh Khan was noticeably absent from the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, the team has maintained its core strength. KKR retained key performers from their championship squad, including Narine, who remains central to their plans.