Home SportsIPL 2025: Shah Rukh Khan takes the spotlight to counter Virat Kohli’s popularity ahead of KKR vs RCB opener Although Kolkata Knight Riders have a well-balanced squad, they lack the star appeal that comes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli, whose fan base is immense. Virat Kohli and Shah Rukh Khan. (PIC - X) New Delhi: Although Kolkata Knight Riders have a well-balanced squad, they lack the star appeal that comes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli, whose fan base is immense. Kohli has the ability to silence the crowd, making the home advantage less significant. With the IPL 2025 opener between KKR and RCB at Eden Gardens approaching, KKR co-owner and Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has decided to take matters into his own hands. The excitement surrounding the IPL opening match on Sunday (March 22) is palpable, with the roads around Eden Gardens filled with cricket enthusiasts, especially after the arrival of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Virat Kohli. Fans gathered in large numbers, eagerly hoping for a glimpse of the cricket legend, even requesting the police for a brief chance to see their hero. As Kohli made his entrance into the stadium, the excitement in the air was undeniable, with enthusiastic chants of “Virat, Virat” ringing out. It was clear that, regardless of the location, Kohli continues to be the main focus, even in Kolkata, a city that has long been the stronghold of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). For KKR to rival the popularity of Kohli’s RCB, the team might require more than just cricketing talent—they may need their very own ‘King’ on the pitch. Enter Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of KKR. Rumour has it that Khan will take centre stage at the IPL 2025 opener, not only as the team’s owner but also as the host of the spectacular ceremony, according to Ananda Bazar Patrika. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, other stars such as singer Shreya Ghoshal and actress Disha Patani are set to perform at the event. To add even more excitement, Shah Rukh Khan will take the reins as the host of the opening ceremony, a role he’s very familiar with. The Bollywood superstar has previously hosted IPL events and is celebrated for his magnetic presence on stage. His charm and energy are sure to captivate the audience as he interacts with them in true film star fashion. The ceremony is expected to begin at approximately 6:15 PM, with the coin toss scheduled for 7:00 PM, and the match itself set to commence at 7:30 PM. Source link