A Stage for Champions: SRK and Virat Kohli Launch IPL Season 18
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Synopsis
Shah Rukh Khan kicked off IPL Season 18 at Eden Gardens, celebrating the league's legacy. Kohli and Rinku Singh engaged in a lively debate, showcasing the blend of tradition and youth in cricket. The season began with RCB facing KKR, both teams aiming for victory under new captains.
Key Takeaways
- Shah Rukh Khan launched IPL Season 18 at Eden Gardens.
- Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh engaged in a 'Gold vs Bold' debate.
- RCB and KKR started their campaigns under new captains.
- IPL has evolved into a significant sporting movement.
- Both teams have a rich history in IPL matches.
Kolkata, March 22 (NationPress) The iconic film star and principal owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shah Rukh Khan, initiated the grand opening ceremony for the 2025 Indian Premier League season at Eden Gardens on Saturday. As the IPL embarks on its 18th season, the legendary actor, known for his ability to energize audiences through decades of cinematic excellence, spoke to the City of Joy prior to the toss.
"This league has matured into not just a competition but a movement. It is a celebration of sport, a festival of fervor, a battleground where champions rise. We gather here in the 'City of Joy,' Kolkata. Let's set ablaze this magnificent event with the same enthusiasm, the same passion, and the same love that defines the IPL, the premier cricket league globally. Kolkata! Are you prepared for this?" Shah Rukh declared.
In true SRK style, the actor electrified the audience by referencing one of his films, 'Pathan'. "If you host a party at Pathan's house, he himself will come to ensure hospitality and bring the fireworks!" he remarked.
While the 59-year-old did not perform, he primed the stage for singer Shreya Ghosal, actress Disha Patani, and hip-hop artist Karan Aujla, who delivered captivating performances afterward.
In a surprising twist, SRK returned to the field to introduce the only player to have played for one team throughout all 18 seasons of the tournament, Virat Kohli, alongside rising star Rinku Singh, engaging in a lively 'Gold vs Bold debate.'
"The bold generation is rapidly emerging, but the established generation will remain," Kohli stated.
Rinku responded, "We can definitely match their competition!"
Both players shared laughter and danced with the Bollywood King, concluding that segment with great energy.
Notable figures such as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, and BCCI Treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were also present on stage.
BCCI President Roger Binny honored Kohli with a special memento for IPL Season 18.
The season commenced with a face-off between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), both teams starting their campaigns under new leadership—Ajinkya Rahane captaining KKR and Rajat Patidar leading RCB. Interestingly, these two teams had also battled each other in the inaugural match of the league.
KKR aims for a strong opening to defend their title while Patidar's RCB seeks to overcome past hurdles. It will also be a thrilling experience for local fans to witness Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli in the T20 format for the first time since announcing his retirement from the shortest format of the game after India's T20 World Cup success last year.
Historically, both teams have clashed 34 times in IPL, with KKR having a slight advantage with 20 victories. However, the recent trend shows KKR winning four out of the last five encounters, with RCB's last victory against KKR dating back to the IPL 2022 season.
