Was Yuvi behind SRK early exit at IPL awards

It can now be told that Shah Rukh Khan almost skipped the IPL award show last Friday.

Following Income Tax department raids on the offices of his team Kolkata Knight Riders as well his production house Red Chillies, the actor wasn't sure he would be able to make time for the award function. Also, the actor known for his clean reputation, wanted to distance himself from all the muck-raking IPL scandal.

Says a source close to the actor, "He didn't want to ditch the organisers at the last moment. He told them to look for a replacement, as he felt he might not be able to keep his commitment. The panic-stricken organisers then approached Shahid Kapur, who refused saying he was busy."

The organisers -- the Morani Brothers (also good friends of Shah Rukh) -- pleaded with the actor to bail them out. "They kept trying to convince him to agree to honour his commitment Thursday night through Friday morning. The actor finally relented. But on the condition that the act would be trimmed down. SRK was to host a segment in the middle of the show, but he arrived at the venue, almost close to curtains-down time at 9.30 pm. The show ended with his act.

Khan was to host a segment with eight cricketers: Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yusuf Pathan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Adam Gilchrist and Virendra Sehwag. After a break of 15 minutes, he was to repeat the same act with eight more players. But his act eventually was without a break. And with just the first lot.

An eyewitness reveals, "Even though his act was last minute, it was the best. He got Sourav, Dravid and Bhajji to dance to Love Mera Hit-Hit and his other hit songs.

However there was a hitch in the end, following which the actor left. The source continues, "SRK teased Yuvi about his female fan following and said they only stuck to him because of his Casanova image. Yuvi retaliated by saying that women ran after him (and not Khan) because he was stuck to Karan. There was a hush in the audience at this comment but Shah Rukh being a good sport, handled the situation well. But he made his displeasure known backstage and staged a walkout."

The final act was to have the IPL team owners come on stage with their teams. While everyone came on stage, SRK was missing. The general assumption was that he had walked out as he was upset with Yuvi's crack.

However Shah Rukh maintains, "I had made a commitment as a professional -- I would do my job. And I did. I left post show because I had a shoot waiting. I had to finish it."

IPL 2010: Knight Riders signs off with consolation win

McCullum and Ganguly guide their team home with a steady opening stand

A steady 97-run opening-wicket stand between skipper Sourav Ganguly and Brendon McCullum gave Kolkata Knight Riders a launching pad for its comfortable nine-wicket win against Mumbai Indians in the final league match of the DLF IPL-III at the Eden Gardens here on Monday. It was KKR's first win against MI in six meetings.

Set a target of 134, KKR reached 135 for one in 17.3 overs to register its biggest victory in terms of wickets. McCullum remained unbeaten on 57 (56b, 8x4) and David Hussey was not out on 20. Ganguly, the lone man dismissed, scored 42 (36b, 4x4, 2x6).

Mumbai Indians rested five of its regulars, including Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.

Opting to bat, it found the going rather difficult on a slow pitch as Shane Bond struck two early blows, removing Aditya Tare and Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. The third wicket pair of Saurabh Tiwary and J.P. Duminy played sensibly to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The pair was separated when Duminy played across to left-arm pacer Jaidev Unadkat and was bowled for 19.

Saurabh and Duminy added 63 in 60 balls. Tiwary too left at the same score, taken by McCullum at long-on off Kartik for a well compiled 46 (37b, 4x4, 1x6).

KKR conceded only 20 runs in the six overs from 10th to 15th that put the brakes on MI's efforts to accelerate the scoring.

Thereafter, captain Dwayne Bravo, Rajagopal Sathish and Stuart Binny left in quick succession trying to force the pace.

Late charge

A late charge by Ambati Rayudu for a 15-ball 27 livened up play and also enabled MI to reach 133 for eight wickets in 20 overs — its lowest against KKR.

Kartik, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of two for 20, was adjudged the Man-Of- the-Match.

Shane Bond also got two wickets for 24 runs. Dinda, Unadkat and Tiwary claimed a wicket apiece.

The scores:

Mumbai Indians: A. Tare c Kartik b Bond 1 (3b), S. Dhawan c Saha b Bond 10 (11b, 1x4), S. Tiwary c McCullum b Kartik 46 (37b, 4x4, 1x6), J.P. Duminy b Unadkat 19 (27b, 2x4), R. Sathish c Kartik b Tiwary 11 (11b, 1x4), D. Bravo st Saha b Kartik 5 (9b), A. Rayudu (run out) 27 (15b, 3x4, 1x6), S. Binny c Ganguly b Dinda 8 (5b, 1x4), R. McLaren (not out) 0 (2b); Extras (b-2, lb-2, w-2) 6. Total (for eight wkts., in 20 overs) 133.

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-14, 3-77, 4-77, 5-89, 6-111, 7-126, 8-133.

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: Bond 4-0-24-2, Dinda 4-0-20-1, Unadkat 4-0-27-1, Ganguly 1-0-13-0, Kartik 4-0-20-2, Hussey 2-0-14-0, Tiwary 1-0-11-1.

Kolkata Knight Riders: S. Ganguly c Bravo b Sathish 42 (36b, 4x4, 2x6), B. McCullum (not out) 57 (56b, 8x4), D. Hussey (not out) 20 (14b, 1x4, 1x6); Extras: (lb-2, nb-5, w-9) 16. Total: (for one wkt., in 17.3 overs) 135.

Fall of wicket: 1-97.

Mumbai Indians bowling: Murtaza 4-0-27-0, Fernando 3-0-31-0, McLaren 3-0-26-0, Bravo 2-0-7-0, Binny 1-0-9-0, Duminy 2.3-0-22-0, Sathish 2-0-11-1 .

Shahrukh Khan won’t disown KKR

Unlike the reports that the owners of Kings XI Punjab are gearing up to sell off the outfit after the team’s dismal performance in this year’s IPL T20 tournament, Shahrukh Khan is sticking by his team Kolkata Knight Riders despite a poor show put up by skipper Saurav Ganguly’s team.

In the first two years of IPL, KKR could not make it to the semifinals and this year too it is all but out of the race for the semis though just a slight theoretical chance (if other teams lose and the run rate is favourable) still exists for them to make it to the semis this year.

Meanwhile, rumours have been afloat that Shahrukh Khan, who owns a large chunk of the team, is thinking of disowning the KKR.

“Everyone jumps to silly conclusions as soon as we lose. Idiots who don't know perseverance and passion make me who I am,” SRK wrote on his Twitter page.

“KKR is my team and I will never ever leave it, said millions of times before,” he made it absolutely clear.

Shah Rukh Khan to host First ever IPL Awards

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his close friend filmmaker Karan Johar will be hosting the Indian Premiere League (IPL) Awards night to honour best players and performances of the T20 tournament at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai April 23.

The evening, to be telecast on Colors in May, will be a fusion of cricket and entertainment - to be called Cricketainment - with some of India’s biggest entertainers - including Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan - set to perform.

“This star-studded award ceremony will see the superstars of Bollywood and cricket get together to make it the Oscars of the cricketing world. Celebrating sportsmanship, the viewers will be in for colourful treat as IPL champions get felicitated for their performance through the series,” Ashvini Yardi, programming head, Colors, said.

“It will be one of its kind and fitting celebration with lots of exciting performances and brilliant surprises to conclude this year’s IPL action,” Yardi said in a press release.

The awards will be given in 22 categories including batting, bowling, fielding, most stylish player, best stadium and commentator etc.

There are also categories like IPL Jury Awards, Viewers’ Choice Awards, Statistical Awards, IPL Captain’s Awards and IPL Winners Award.

“IPL has evolved into a uniting force in world cricket and signalled a new era in sports entertainment over the past three seasons. The IPL Awards is the crowning jewel and a fitting event to recognise the best of this season’s breathtaking tournament,” said IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi.

The critics’ choice awards will be adjudged by the IPL Awards Jury, comprising Lalit Modi, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara and Javagal Srinath, well-known umpire Simon Taufel, and cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.

For the Viewers’ Choice Awards categories, fans can vote by visiting IPLT20.com or IPLAwards.com.

IPL 2010: Is SRK tweeting his way out of Kolkata Knight Riders?

Kolkata is down in the dumps. First you have the Knight Riders virtually bowing out of the IPL and then you have the star owner Shahrukh Khan almost suggesting he may cut his ties with the team. Giving rise to the latter, tweets that talk about final thanks to Kolkata and worse. Kolkata is now holding its breath to see if SRK actually walks out on the Knights.

Final thanks to Kolkata audience...says an ominous Sharukh tweet. You make us proud...couldn't do the same...and can't make promises for future either...have lost the right...

And there is worse... can't do anymore for KKR, says SRK. Sorry can't sound fakely uppity about next season.

For KKR fans in Kolkata, this is a double blow.. KKR now virtually out of the IPL and its star owner also making similar noises...

"It is very unfortunate for him...he has given lot of time and energy for KKR but what can he do he is not a technical man and he tried his best. It's bad luck, his team couldn't do well. I feel for SRK, he has tried really hard," said Sambaran Banerjee.

Others are keeping their fingers crossed.

"If you are a diehard KKR fan, then you have reason to be a little concerned because none of his tweets till last night were as emotional and he seemed devastated. If you read between the lines, it probably suggests...but I will be surprised if he washes his hands off the franchiese straightaway," said Lokendra Pratap Sahi, Sports Editor, The Telegraph.

KKR captain Sourav Ganguly is not helping things.

"Well I do not mind losing but we were pathetic on the field, let's be honest. I can talk, I can lift them up but they have to lift themselves up as well...I can't field for them, I can't bowl for them," said Sourav Ganguly.

SRK in his tweet seems to agree... "outbatted, outbowled, outclassed...out of semis," says he...

If the captain is throwing in the towel, can SRK be far behind? Kolkata is holding its breath.

IPL 2010: Shahrukh Khan dealing with disappointments

After his team KKR’s exit from IPL 3

It was a do-or-die game for Shahrukh Khan’s team Kolkata Knight Riders but they were soundly and emphatically beaten by the dominant opposition from Chennai Super Kings by 9 wickets on Tuesday.

And the man who’s most disappointed is Shahrukh Khan who apologised to the team’s loyal fans for yet another embarrassingly poor season of IPL. Last year, their team was last in the points table; this year it’s second last.

“Outbatted, outbowled, outclassed...out of semis. Never lost so much, so often, so consistently. Apologies to all who supported us,” SRK tweeted after the team’s defeat on Tuesday.

Instead of blaming anyone, SRK took all blame upon himself.

“I completely take the blame for not putting up a good enough show...so much love for KKR & I couldn’t reciprocate,” he wrote.

SRK added that he can’t promise good performances from his team in the future.

“Bye all. I am off now to deal with disappointments in the way I know best. You find your poison. Love u all. Unconditional apologies to all,” he posted.

Our heart goes out to him.

IPL 2010: Shahrukh Khan to stay away from Knight Riders’ Chennai game

Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan will not be present when his side takes on Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in a must win encounter for teams Tuesday at the Chidamdaram Stadium.

“No, I won’t come to Chennai for the match. Think the team needs to introspect and play without my interference…emotional or physical,” the superstar tweeted Monday.

The Knight Riders have not been consistent enough in their campaign this year and are now ranked sixth with 10 points from 11 matches with a poor net run rate of -0.417.

Shah Rukh is worried about that.

“I think our main issue is winning consecutive games. We haven’t since the first two. Momentum and consistence amiss,” Shah Rukh said on the social networking site.

Shah Rukh, who is busy shooting for his forthcoming film “Ra. One”, also feels that only praying for his team’s success will not work. Performance on the field is the only mantra for the Knights.

“Ha ha… someone said better way to pray at KKR matches will help…I don’t think so…I think better play at KKR matches will help our cause,” he said.

The Knight Riders need to win all three of their remaining matches to stay in contention for a semi final berth.

With Mumbai Indians making the semi-finals for the first time in IPL history Sunday after mauling the Rajasthan Royals, the only team not to feature in the semis ever is the Knight Riders.

Solace from kids for Shahrukh after KKR defeat

Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan today said he felt sad after his team's shabby performance in their away match of Indian Premier League against Royal Challengers Bangalore and had to seek solace from his children and close friends.

"Bad day yesterday. Friend (co-owner Juhi Chawla's brother) still not well ... had to take hugs from kids and friends to avoid being sad. KKR did little to help either," Shah Rukh said on his Twitter page.

"Have to spend more time with people I love and care for.

Feel them around me more. Waste too much time with peripherals of life ... missing the core," he wrote.

Shah Rukh had stayed away from the last two IPL games of his team to be beside Bobby Chawla, his company Red Chillies Entertainment chief executive officer, who was hospitalised after collapsing at a restaurant recently.

IPL 2010: Knight Riders back in the hunt

Kolkata Knight Riders snapped Delhi Daredevils' four-match winning streak with a 15-run victory in their DLF-IPL III match at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday.

Needing a victory to stay in contention for a semifinal spot, Knight Riders rose to the occasion to win its fifth match in 10 games. It was Daredevils' fourth loss in as many games.

Batting first, Knight Riders put on a challenging 181 for three and restricted Daredevils to 166 for eight.

Disastrous start

Daredevils' chase began on a disastrous note as David Warner was castled by Ashok Dinda off the fifth ball of the innings. Skipper Gautam Gambhir joined Virender Sehwag and the two took the attack to the Knight Riders camp. Angelo Mathews came in for harsh treatment, conceding 30 in his first two overs.

At 99 for one in the 11th over, Daredevils seemed well on course when Knight Riders captain Sourav Ganguly, who had a delightful day, ran out Gambhir.

Sehwag, however, continued in characteristic fashion. He made 64 off 40 deliveries with six fours and three huge sixes. The Daredevils opener had earlier enjoyed a reprieve on 35 when Iqbal Abdulla, playing in place of the injured Murali Kartik, spilled a sharp chance at deep midwicket off Ajantha Mendis.

Turning point

The game turned on its head when Ajit Agarkar bowled Sehwag with his team still needing 48 for victory. Daredevils then kept losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually finished 15 runs short.

Earlier, Sourav Ganguly won his third successive toss and opted to bat. He also began the innings with a flurry of boundaries as Knight Riders raced to 22 in two overs. Daniel Vettori, bowling the second over, conceded 15.

Chris Gayle, content to play second fiddle, opened up in the seventh over, sending Amit Mishra over the long-on fence and hitting two more boundaries. Rajat Bhatia, introduced in the ninth over, provided Daredevils the breakthrough by dismissing Gayle. The openers added 94 in 10.2 overs to set a solid platform.

Ganguly reached his 50 off 42 balls with eight fours and a six off Paul Collingwood before falling for 56. Brendon McCullum, playing his first match, survived a run out chance as soon as he arrived at the crease before being dismissed in the same fashion.

Brisk scoring

Mathews and Manoj Tiwary scored at a brisk rate in the closing stages, adding 51 off the last four overs. The former smashed two sixes and three fours in his 28-ball unbeaten 46 while Tiwary was not out on 26 (18b, 1x4, 1x6).

The two strung together 70 in 6.5 overs for the fourth wicket to give Knight Riders a total that proved beyond Daredevils.

The scores:

Kolkata Knight Riders: S. Ganguly b Vettori 56 (46b, 8x4, 1x6), C. Gayle b Bhatia 40 (21b, 5x4, 2x6), B. McCullum (run out) 6 (7b), M. Tiwary (not out) 26 (18b, 1x4, 1x6), A. Mathews (not out) 46 (28b, 3x4, 2x6); Extras (lb-1, w-6): 7; Total (for three wkts. in 20 overs): 181.

Fall of wickets: 1-94, 2-104, 3-111.

Delhi Daredevils bowling: Maharoof 3-0-30-0, Vettori 4-0-30-1, Sangwan 3-0-30-0, Mishra 4-0-41-0, Collingwood 2-0-19-0, Bhatia 4-0-30-1.

Delhi Daredevils: D. Warner b Dinda 0 (5b), V. Sehwag b Agarkar 64 (40b, 6x4, 3x6), G. Gambhir (run out) 47 (29b, 6x4, 1x6), P. Collingwood c Mathews b Mendis 2 (3b), D. Karthik c McCullum b Dinda 20 (17b, 2x4), K. Jadhav c Ganguly b Mendis 5 (8b), F. Maharoof b Abdulla 2 (3b), R. Bhatia (run out) 1 (3b), D. Vettori (not out) 12 (6b, 2x4), A. Mishra (not out) 4 (6b); Extras (b-1, lb-4, w-4): 9; Total (for eight wkts. in 20 overs): 166.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-99, 3-103, 4-134, 5-144, 6-147, 7-149, 8-152.

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: Dinda 4-0-21-2, Agarkar 4-0-36-1, Mathews 3-0-43-0, Mendis 4-0-22-2, Ganguly 1-0-12-0, Abdulla 4-0-27-1.

I joked about dancing naked: Shah Rukh Khan

Doesn’t anyone take a joke anymore,” asks Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan after his statement of dancing naked if his team Kolkata Knight Riders wins the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) was blown out of proportion by media.

“Read in some paper that I can be taken to court for my dancing in the buff statement at IPL. When will people develop a sense of humour,” the actor posted on his Twitter page.

“I just joked about dancing like that at IPL… obviously I won’t even if my team wins. Who does? Doesn’t anyone take a joke anymore… ha ha,” he added.

The actor didn’t even hesitate from cracking another joke on the controversy.

“…from now on I am also bathing with my clothes on, ha ha,” he said.

Shah Rukh’s team presently ranks sixth in the eight-team IPL-3.

IPL 2010: I will dance naked if KKR makes into IPL final, says Shahrukh

Bollywood king Shahrukh Khan has come out frenzied during a party and affirmed that if his team Kolkata Knight Riders would make it into the final; he will dance naked at the DY Patil stadium in Mumbai.

During an interview to the ‘M’ TV, the actor said that he is promising to each that if his team would get through the final, he would dance without wearing any clothes. Next to him Lalit Modi, IPL Commissioner made distance from him and said that he would not hold him during his performance in such manner.

Shahrukh was in party after the match played between Kolkata Knight Riders with Deccan Chargers.

IPL 2010: SRK, the sport!

Shah Rukh Khan has quite a few reasons to smile these days. For starters, having won four of the eight matches they’ve played till date, his team is performing far better in this season of the IPL versus last year when they ended the season at the bottom of the table.

Now, the Badshah doesn’t make a personal appearance at every match his team plays, but whenever he does, one can see him and his entourage busy cheering for the boys. But that’s not what caught our attention at a recent match. The venue was Kolkata’s Eden Garden grounds and his boys had just beaten the mighty Hyderabad team, right on home turf. Of course, the crowds were ecstatic but even more obvious was the joy on SRK’s face as he hugged captain Saurav Ganguly. But instead of sporting the deep purple and gold colours of his team, SRK was wearing the jersey of the team that his boys had so convincingly whipped. He even pointed it out to the people around him. Guess being on the winning side does bring out the true spirit of sportsmanship in SRK.

IPL 2010: I don't tell my team how to play, says Shah Rukh Khan

Days after twitting to his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players that they stop giving excuses and instead deliver, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he is neither involved in cricketing matters of his team nor the management part of it, but is only there to "entertain."

"I don't involve myself in the cricketing part. Because I feel if I tell them how to play, they will tell me how to act," the KKR owner said.

"I don't tell them (the players) much. I can only love them. Business decisions are taken by (co-owners) Juhi Chawla and Jai Mehta. I come to entertain."

However, he justified the stern warning through his twitter account. "It helps at times if you treat them (the Knight Riders cricketers) as boys."

SRK, as Shah Rukh is affectionately called, seemed happy after his side's convincing victory against the Deccan Chargers Thursday.

"It's good to see dada (KKR skipper Sourav Ganguly) among the runs. I told them (the cricketers) at the start of this season that we cannot do worse than last year's performance. So they can only take the team up".

With Ganguly leading from the front with a blazing 54-ball 88, the KKR scripted a 24-run win over the Deccan Chargers to move up to the fifth slot in the IPL table with eight points. The team had finished with the wooden spoon in the second edition of the tourney held in South Africa last year.

"It's most disappointing when the spectators come and we do not live up to expectations. So it's time we prove ourselves to the crowd at Eden Gardens," said King Khan.

The KKR are scheduled to play four more games at their home ground till April 19.

Asked about his IPL experience since 2008, Shah Rukh said, "The first two years I did not know what to do. I felt helpless when the team did not do well. But now I know the game has its share of ups and downs."

IPL 2010: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Deccan Chargers by 24 runs

In the history of sports, there emerge players who should never be written off. Having come back from the brink in the longer versions of the game, Sourav Ganguly showed that the game is not over when it comes to T20 either. The 54-ball 88 was as well timed as some of the shots, for it handed the Kolkata Knight Riders a lifeline they were desperately seeking.

To say that Ganguly was under pressure coming into this game is an understatement. He was opening with moderate success, being unable to take advantage of the fielding restrictions in the first six overs or rotate the strike.

Eden Gardens on Thursday witnessed something different. Running between the wickets was not ideal, but the quality of shot production was as good as it could be.

The first ball of the match was impeccably timed over square-leg, the third towards the Ganguly Zone behind point and the show went on.

There was not much in terms of support from the other end barring David Hussey to an extent, but the skipper of the Knights was batting like a man possessed. There was a range of shots on display and after a long time, the spinners were imperiously hoisted into the stands.

It was as much a display of batting skills as character because the team needed this win badly to stay in reckoning for a semifinal berth. With Chris Gayle failing, the responsibility on Ganguly had multiplied and for once, he forced a smile from Shah Rukh Khan. A lot had been said and written about him in the recent past and the man used to such criticism chose the right time to hit back.

The Deccan Chargers were in it for a considerable period of time, but the slowness of the pitch and wickets at critical junctures derailed their chase. They were off to a good start, rattling up 59 in six overs and the asking rate was not beyond control up to some time. It's just that they lost wickets when they couldn't afford to. It was a collective effort by the Knights while bowling. While batting, it was obviously a one-man show which ultimately made the difference.

IPL 2010: I am disappointed, says Shahrukh Khan

The graph of the performance of Shahrukh Khan’s team Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing season of IPL has been erratic - kabhi up, kabhi down. After it lost to Delhi Daredevils by a big margin on Monday, SRK was disappointed with his team’s performance.

“(I) am disappointed & will try and sleep this disappointment off. hope the team introspects & comes back strong. professionals can do that,” the superstar posted on his twitter page.

Shahrukh also made a subtle jab at his team’s skipper Saurav Ganguly who, in the after-match presentation, pinned the blame of the defeat at his losing the toss.

“this loss was due to toss. the last hitch becos of pitch. time for excuses is over. either we play better or keep being deserving losers,” SRK made it clear in no uncertain terms.

On the other hand, Preity Zinta’s team Kings XI Punjab is languishing at the bottom of the points table. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, however, have a reason to rejoice. Their team Rajasthan Royal’s performance has improved several notches up.

IPL 2010: SRK disappointed with his KKR boys

Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders faced their fourth loss of the tournament on Monday. They were beaten by Delhi Daredevils by 40 runs. The loss has not gone well with Shah Rukh Khan, who openly expressed his disappointment.

The actor wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter, “This loss was due to toss. The last hitch becos of pitch. Time for excuses is over. Either we play better or keep being deserving losers.”

That wasn’t all. He further wrote, “Am disappointed & will try and sleep this disappoinment off. Hope the team introspects & comes back strong. Professionals can do that.”

Kolkata Knight Riders have to play the rest of tournament really well if they want a place in the semi-finals. SRK can perhaps make them watch his famous ‘70 minute’ speech from ‘Chak De! India’ for motivation. What say?

IN PICS: SRK's Wife Gauri Khan adds glamour to Delhi pitch

Gauri Khan attends the 2010 DLF Indian Premier League T20 group stage match between Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders played at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on March 29, 2010 in Delhi, India. (Photo: IPL2010/Getty Images)

Gauri Khan and Lalit Modi attend the 2010 DLF Indian Premier League T20 group stage match between Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders played at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on March 29, 2010 in Delhi, India. (Photo: IPL2010/Getty Images)

IPL 2010: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Kings XI Punjab by 39 runs

Ajit Agarkar and Shane Bond took two wickets each after Manoj Tiwary and Sourav Ganguly hit 75 and 50 respectively as Kolkata Knight Riders beat Kings XI Punjab by 39 runs in their IPL clash at PCA Stadium in Mohali on Saturday.

Chasing a victory target of 184 runs, Kings XI managed to score 144/6 in their 20 overs.

Irfan Pathan's was the last wicket to fall when he was dismissed caught and bowled by Bond.

Kings XI effectively lost the match when Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara were dismissed in consecutive overs to leave the hosts tottering at 98/5.

Jayawardene (16) edged a full length delivery by Angelo Mathews onto his stumps while trying to play it to fine leg and in the next over Sangakkara went for a switch-hit against Chris Gayle and not only missed the delivery but also stumbled out of his crease to be stumped by Wriddhiman Saha.

Ajit Agarkar took his second wicket in his second over when he had Manvinder Bisla caught by David Hussey at mid-off to reduce Kings XI to 54/3.

Manoj Tiwary took a superb catch at deep mid-wicket as Agarkar dismissed Yuvraj Singh (24) for his first wicket in his first over.

Shane Bond trapped Ravi Bopara plumb in front of the wicket on the second ball as Kings XI Punjab got off to a poor start chasing 184 to win.

Kings XI lost their first wicket without a run on the board but Bopara was unlucky to given out as the ball was going over the stumps.

Earlier, Manoj Tiwary's unbeaten 75 and Sourav Ganguly's 50 enabled Knight Riders to set a 184-run target for Kings XI.

Tiwary hit 2 sixes and 8 fours in his 47-ball knock and hit Irfan Pathan for 2 sixes and 2 fours in the last over of the Knight Riders' innings.

Brett Lee took a good catch in the covers to send Angelo Mathews back to the dugout to give Pathan his second wicket.

Sourav Ganguly and David Hussey fell in successive overs shortly before Tiwary reached his fifty.

Pathan had Ganguly (50) caught by Piyush Chawla at mid-off as Knight Riders lost their third wicket.

In the next over, Chawla clean bowled Hussey (3) to reduce Knight Riders to 130/4.

Ganguly hit a 37-ball 50 soon after Kolkata Knight Riders crossed the 100-run mark.

This is Ganguly's first IPL 50 after 16 inings and came when his team needed it the most.

Ganguly's 50 came after Shalabh Srivastava had Mandeep Singh caught by Brett Lee at mid-on as Kolkata Knight Riders lost their second wicket.

This was Srivastava's second wicket in as many overs.

Manvinder Bisla took a superb catch at deep square leg as Kolkata Knight Riders lost Chris Gayle in the third over.

Gayle mistimed a pull off a Srivastava delivery and Bisla running from deep mid-wicket, dived and plucked the ball out of thin air to take the catch just in front of the ropes.

Gayle's dismissal brought some relief to the Kings XI camp as the swashbuckling batsman had already hit 3 fours in his 12-ball 14 after Ganguly won the toss and elected to bat.

Kolkata dropped Murali Kartik, Ishant Sharma, Chetweshwar Pujara, Harpreet Singh and brought in Ajit Agarkar, Manoj Tiwary, Iqbal Abdulla and David Hussey.

Punjab dropped S Sreesanth, Mohammad Kaif and Juan Theron and brought in Vikramjeet Malik, Karan Goel and Brett Lee.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sourav Ganguly (Capt.), Chris Gayle, Manoj Tiwary, Mandeep Singh, David Hussey, Angelo Mathews, Wriddhiman Saha, Shane Bond, Ajit Agarkar, Ashok Dinda, Iqbal Abdulla.

Kings XI Punjab: Kumar Sangakkara (Capt.), Ravi Bopara, Manvinder Bisla, Yuvraj Singh, Mahela Jayawardene, Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla, Shalabh Srivastava, Brett Lee, Karan Goel, Vikramjeet Malik.

Shahrukh Khan: Once a King, Always a King!

There is only one King in bollywood, that is Shahrukh, and he has proved it time and again with his amazing acting prowess, and his movies creating magic at the box office, with amazing sales of tickets.

Now, with his business ventures in the game of cricket, by becoming a franchisee owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, he has once again proved that he sure is the King of this business venture as well.

The IPL team KKR, had managed a staggering profit of Rs. 13 crores, in its first year and is almost sure to make three times that amount this year. But, King Khan reportedly has said that he has not purchased the IPL team for business ventures. This proposition is purely for fulfilling his passion for sports, and that too cricket.

As for his over flowing Bank Balance, he has hundreds of products to endorse, and a never ending line of films to work in. So, that takes care of his financial needs.

Thus, SRK is not much saddened by his IPL team's defeats, nor is he very ecstatic when they win any match. This year, King Khan has surely showed his grit and determination in controlling his emotions while his team is playing for the tournament. His earlier emotional side is not much evident.

Thus, Shahrukh has conquered it all; he has shown to the world that he remains a King, no matter where he is, in bollywood or in the world of sports. Perhaps, the saying once a King always a King, does fit him in all respects!

IPL 2010: SRK’s Knight Riders face first loss

Shah Rukh's thoughts on his team's performance: "Work Harder"

Shah Rukh Khan's IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, crumbled before the Chennai Super Kings in their third match of the tournament this year. In the match played at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, today (March 16), the Knight Riders were set a target of 164/3 by the Super Kings. In reply, they were all out for 109 runs.

This was a disappointing turn from SRK's team which started the tournament with a victory over defending champions The Deccan Chargers. SRK was at the stadium for the match today, watching with IPL Chairman Lalit Modi. He had been on his feet and clapping when his team scored boundaries but became progressively more serious as the match started clearly getting away from them. He had tweeted earlier in the day, "Hope lots of people come to cheer the team. day before was fantastic. the sound..the music...the win....nothing like kolkata & eden gardens."

But Shah Rukh is probably going to be philosophical about the loss. His attitude can be understood from his Twitter post yesterday. "Prevoius record shows we lose after initial success? ha ah wot previous record only shows we didnt win thats all. this time work harder." Hope his team follows his advice