‘Not just be an owner of the franchise but an elder brother figure’ – Venkatesh Iyer heaps praise for Shah Rukh Khan

Venkatesh Iyer and Shah Rukh Khan. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) reached yet another IPL final after a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday evening. As the KKR players celebrated their win, they were quick to credit the franchise’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for being an inspirational figure and elder brother in the team’s success. Venkatesh Iyer has laid massive praise on the Bollywood actor following victory over SRH.

“It speaks volumes of the man he (SRK) is. We have all seen him on the screen, mesmerizing people with his aura, not just be an owner of the franchise but an elder brother figure for us, to guide us constantly,” Venkatesh said in the video posted by KKR on their social media handle.

Iyer also revealed how SRK’s constant support and pep talks have lifted the team’s spirits, especially when the going gets tough.

“His (SRK) pep talk has not just lifted me but the likes of Nitish Rana who was reeling with injury. To come back from the injury and to perform is a really big task. He’s a great franchise owner,” Venkatesh said.

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His presence itself gets that zest in the team environment: Shreyas Iyer

KKR skipper. Shreyas Iyer also heaped praises for his franchise owner’s aura, suggesting his presence raises the team’s intensity and approach.

“His presence itself gets that zest in the team environment. The attitude and approach automatically change. It’s the perception over here (points to head),” Shreyas said.

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The Kolkata-based franchise produced a clinical all-around performance to outclass the 2016 finalists. Mitchell Starc’s three wickets in the powerplay hampered SRH’s innings as they were bowled out for 159 within 19.3 overs. In reply, Venkatesh (51*) and skipper Shreyas (58*) made the chase look very simple with an unbroken 97-run stand.

This marks the fourth time that Kolkata has advanced to the finals in the history of the tournament. The side will now fly to Chennai to play the finals on May 26.

SRH still have hopes of securing a spot in the finals, as they will be up against the winner of the upcoming Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).