WATCH: Shah Rukh Khan meets and motivates KKR players before facing RCB in IPL 2025

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan gave his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) a motivational speech prior to their first match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 18th season of the IPL on Saturday. Ahead of their eagerly awaited match, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), met with the team. 

Before the match, Shah Rukh, who is well-known for his strong support of KKR, arrived in Kolkata and spoke with the players, encouraging them. The actor's sincere message was greeted with love from fans after the official KKR social media account posted a video of the speech.

Shah Rukh Khan met with the players and gave a motivational speech in which he thanked the coaching staff and welcomed the new team members. "God bless you. Please be healthy; be happy. And thank you, Chandu sir, for looking after them. Welcome aboard to the new members. Thank you, Ajinkya, for joining us and being a captain. God bless you, and I hope you will find a good home here and play well with all of us. Have a good evening, a good match, and be healthy," he said. 

Watch the video here:

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐤𝐚 𝐩𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐫, 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐦 💜 pic.twitter.com/mx2EkNHLdT

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 22, 2025

KKR has dominated RCB in IPL

This season promises new dynamics and fierce rivalry, with both teams being led by new captains, Rajat Patidar for RCB and Ajinkya Rahane for KKR. While RCB continues to pursue their first-ever IPL trophy, KKR will be attempting to defend their IPL trophy. As KKR and RCB get ready to fight, the Knight Riders have a habit of winning previous meetings. In their 34 meetings with RCB since the start of the IPL in 2008, KKR has won 20 of them.

Before KKR and RCB play their first IPL 2025 match, there will be a spectacular opening ceremony at Eden Gardens. Shah Rukh Khan is expected to give a monologue to start the mega celebration, followed by singer Shreya Ghoshal, rapper Karan Aujla, and actor Disha Patani. The IPL 2025 grand opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.