Yas Island (Abu Dhabi) just hosted the 24th IIFA Awards. During that award ceremony, Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan, popularly known as SRK, compared himself with the former Indian captain MS Dhoni.

During the IIFA Awards 2024, there was a funny banter between the Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan and the Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar. 

SEE ALSO: IPL reveals strict action for illegitimately withdrawn overseas players

Main aur Dhoni ek kisam ke legends hai: SRK

In that award ceremony, SRK said, "The biggest thing about legends… unki khasiyat ye hoti hai ki legends ko maalum hota hai, when to stop, when to retire. Like the great Sachin Tendulkar, like Sunil Chhetri—the footballer, like Roger Federer—the great tennis star. They all know when to retire, and I think it’s time you did too. So please go back. Thank you very much." 

Johar replied, "By that standard, aur us hisab se aap kyon retire nahi hote." 

SRK then added, "Actually main doosre kisam ka legendary hoon. Main aur Dhoni ek kisam ke legends hai. Na na kar ke bhi 10 baar IPL khel jaate hai." 

Meanwhile, another Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal then added from the crowd, "Retirements are for legends, kings are forever!"

pic.twitter.com/cpnbPByeyA

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) September 29, 2024

Still, Indian cricket is enjoying MS Dhoni

Former T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup-winning Indian captain MS Dhoni officially retired from international cricket in 2020. 

However, the 43-year-old wicketkeeper is still active in the Indian Premier League. Dhoni led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) till the IPL 2023, where CSK won their fifth IPL title. 

Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK won five IPL trophies and two now-defunct Champions League T20 trophies.

Although Dhoni stepped down from the CSK captaincy role, he played the IPL 2024 for CSK and had an important role for his team.

There is still no confirmation from Dhoni whether he will play in the IPL 2025 or not. However, the CSK fans and many other cricket fans still want to see the wicketkeeper-batter on the field. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging as the deserved champions. In the final clash on Sunday, the Knight Riders delivered a superb all-round performance to decisively defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad, clinching the title and ending their decade-long wait since their last triumph in 2014 under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy. Gambhir, returning to the franchise as a mentor, played a pivotal role in turning the team’s fortunes around.

Gambhir’s inspirational leadership: ‘Dare to Dream’

After the final, Gambhir shared a three-word post on social media that encapsulated his mindset and inspiration for the team: “Dare to Dream.” This simple yet powerful message highlighted the importance of belief and vision in achieving success as KKR celebrated their long-awaited IPL title.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc spearheaded KKR’s bowling attack, delivering a sensational opening spell that dismantled the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were bowled out for a meager 113 runs—the lowest total ever in an IPL final. Starc’s impressive figures of 2-14 set the tone for KKR’s dominance. Having joined the team for a record $2.98 million in the December auction, Starc proved his worth with match-winning performances, including a crucial 3-34 in the first play-off against the same opponents.

Starc and Iyer shine as KKR clinch title

KKR’s batsmen then made light work of the target. Despite the early dismissal of Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer forged a 91-run partnership. Gurbaz scored 39, while Iyer’s explosive 52 not out off 24 balls, including hitting the winning runs, ensured KKR’s victory with 9.3 overs to spare. Skipper Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on six as celebrations erupted at the stadium.

KKR’s triumphant campaign saw them finish at the top of the league phase with 20 points, underscoring their dominance throughout the season. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as players and fans celebrated the end of a long title drought.

See Also: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, warm-up wrap: Canada vs Nepal, Oman vs PNG, Namibia vs Uganda

As the IPL season wraps up, attention now turns to the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting June 1 in the West Indies and the United States.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was admitted to KD Hospital in Ahmedabad, raising concerns about his health among fans. The actor reportedly fell ill due to the intense heat wave conditions during the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) IPL match on Tuesday. Shah Rukh Khan was in Ahmedabad to support his team, KKR, in their first playoff match of IPL 2024.

Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR reaches IPL 2024 finals

The Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Shah Rukh Khan, secured a place in the IPL 2024 finals following a thrilling victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The game, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw KKR triumph in a high-stakes match, paving their way to the final. Shah Rukh Khan attended the match with his children – AbRam, Suhana, Ananya, and Shanaya, adding a touch of glamour to the event. The presence of the Bollywood icon and his family was a significant morale boost for the KKR team and their fans.

Shah Rukh Khan’s work front

Shah Rukh Khan has been enjoying a remarkable phase in his career with the recent success of three blockbuster films: “Pathan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki.” These films have not only reinforced his status as the King of Bollywood but have also showcased his versatility as an actor.

Despite his busy film schedule, Shah Rukh has been actively involved with his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders, gearing up for the finals. In addition to his film and IPL commitments, Shah Rukh is currently working on his upcoming film, “King,” where he is set to portray a character with a grey-shaded role as a don, adding another intriguing project to his illustrious career.

Shah Rukh Khan’s health updates

The news of Shah Rukh Khan’s hospitalization has left fans and well-wishers deeply concerned. As updates on his health are eagerly awaited, the incident has highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing heat wave and the importance of taking necessary precautions during extreme weather conditions. Fans from around the world have taken to social media to express their support and wish for his speedy recovery. The Bollywood superstar’s health scare serves as a reminder of the physical demands and stresses faced by celebrities, especially when balancing multiple high-pressure commitments.

See Also: Security issues for Virat Kohli cause RCB to cancel practice in Ahmedabad: Report

Shah Rukh Khan’s recent health scare during the IPL match in Ahmedabad has brought to light the harsh realities of extreme weather conditions and the need for adequate precautions. As the Kolkata Knight Riders prepare for the IPL 2024 finals, fans are hoping for both their team’s victory and Shah Rukh Khan’s quick recovery. The King of Bollywood continues to captivate audiences with his film projects and his involvement in sports, reinforcing his status as a beloved and influential figure in both the entertainment and sports industries.

Rinku Singh, a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), recently shared a heartwarming moment with the team’s owner, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, and his family following KKR’s victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 23rd. The presence of the Bollywood superstar added to the excitement as KKR kicked off their new season with a triumphant start in front of their home crowd.

Rinku captioned a post saying

“The ones who make my heart smile.” Here is not the end, he also said in an interview, “Sir (Shah Rukh Khan) called me after that. He was talking about my marriage. SRK said people call me for their marriage, I don’t go. Mein teri shaadi mein aunga naachne (I will come to your wedding to dance).” 

Taking to Instagram, Rinku Singh posted a remarkable picture featuring himself alongside Shah Rukh Khan and his own family, capturing the essence of the memorable occasion. In his heartfelt caption, Rinku expressed gratitude towards the individuals in the photo, describing them as the ones who make his heart smile.

Shah Rukh Khan’s special connection with Rinku Singh

This bond between Rinku and Shah Rukh Khan extends back to last season when Rinku’s remarkable performance against the Gujarat Titans, where he smashed five sixes off the final over to secure a thrilling victory for KKR in Ahmedabad. Following this heroic display, Shah Rukh Khan had developed a special connection with Rinku, even promising to attend his wedding and dance for him.

See Also: IPL 2024: Key points for match between KKR and SRH

The touching moment shared between Rinku Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, and their families not only highlights the camaraderie within the KKR camp but also underscores the deep personal connections forged beyond the cricket field. It’s moments like these that truly resonate with fans and showcase the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship in the world of cricket.

The 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) opening ceremony will be illuminated by popular Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan. This event is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 23 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The likes of Tiger Shroff, Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan and Sidharth Malhotra are just but a few among the many stars that will grace this occasion.

Shah Rukh Khan still rules supreme as the king of Bollywood even at his age at 58 making him one of the leading actors in India film industry. Last year he had two big hits Pathaan and Dunki that not only rocked domestically but also made international headlines.

Women’s Premier League 2024: Shahrukh Khan Headlines Star-Studded Opening Ceremony

For Shah Rukh Khan cricket has been his passion since 2008 when he became owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL). He has played a key role in helping KKR expand from a single team to having franchises based out of several countries such as West Indies, UAE and USA.

Bengaluru was the venue for an engrossing performance by Bollywood superstars. The Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) will play the opening game of the tournament. It will be a re-match of last year’s final with Harmanpreet Kaur taking her DC side against MI.

Alyssa Healy led UP Warriorz to the Eliminator stage last season, where they however fell to the Mumbai team. Both Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as well as Gujarat Giants (GT) failed to reach playoffs last season and are looking forward to bouncing back.

SEE ALSO : Dale Steyn lauds Keshav Maharaj, emphasizing bowlers’ leadership

The recent meeting of all five Captains took place in Bengaluru – Healy, Beth Mooney, Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana and Lanning. In addition to Bengaluru, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi will also host matches during WPL 2024 including the Eliminator on March 15 and Final on March 17.

On the 19th of December, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise could be one of the most intriguing teams to check out. They select the best available players and spend a hefty price to get those who are current trends. Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran are two prime examples of this.

PBKS has a purse of 29.1 crores and eight seats available, two of which are in foreign countries. They have a powerful unit and require a few players to cover the void and others to serve as backups for the regular starters. Here is a list of three possible picks for the next mini-auction from PBKS. 

• Josh Hazlewood

Punjab Kings may target Hazlewood to build a dangerous pace three with Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and the Australian fast himself. The signing of Hazlewood might give the Kings’ bowling attack a new dimension, giving them a force to be reckoned with in the IPL 2024.

With his stint with the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has proved to be a quality pacer who can scalp crucial wickets and be an economical bowling option. 

• Shahrukh Khan

Punjab Kings put their faith in Shahrukh Khan and backed him like no other team in recent years. However, Shahrukh could not deliver regular results, and the Punjab-based team eventually discharged him ahead of the IPL auction in 2024.

Shahrukh was meant to be a long-term investment, but he has yet to perform as well as predicted. However, PBKS can repurchase him at a cheaper cost and assign him to the finishing responsibilities, as he has set a base price tag of Rs. 40L. Shahrukh has enormous potential and can be counted on to produce once more. 

• KS Bharat

With the wicketkeeping priorities given to Jonny Bairstow and Jitesh Sharma, it is a safer and viable option to rope in another keeper-batter, who can also be a potential candidate to score some crucial runs. And KS Bharat could be one of their players to check out.

The team’s top wicketkeeper, Bairstow, has just been injured, and the English players’ availability is always an issue. As a result, a cover for the Englishmen is required, and KS Bharat fills the bill wonderfully. He can also strike the ball and has shown tremendous improvement as a wicketkeeper, with good technique when given a chance. 

With the recent news regarding the much-awaited 2024 IPL Mini Auction, the list of all the teams has been released, and the cricket fanatics await to see the top players going under the hammer on 19th December in Dubai. 

When we come to the five-time and defending IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings have made some sensible retentions and releases, which made them have six spots vacant in their Yellove arsenal, with three of them open for foreign players.

Having Rs. 31.4 Crore in their purse, the team would be a significant highlight. So, here is a list of top probable buys that the defending champions would go for in the auctions.

• Shahrukh Khan

The swashbuckling batter from Tamil Nadu, Shahrukh Khan, has proved his batting prowess through his role as a finisher, providing some memorable finishes for his former franchise, Punjab Kings.

During his stint with the Punjab Kings, he has proved to be a reliable middle-order batter through his impressive striking. Chennai Super Kings would give a hand in the auction, acquiring the local boy for their squad, and he could be a pivotal element in enhancing the team’s middle order.

• Pat Cummins

With their promising pace attack comprising Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, and Matheesha Pathirana, the team still needs a quality and experienced bowler who can deliver top-class pace and swing. By the release of Ben Stokes, the team has a large sum of money in their purse.

With three overseas spots open, it is a good chance for the team to try for the Aussie speedster Pat Cummins, who would be available for the coming 2024 edition after having a commendable ICC and Ashes stint. As his recent performance suggests, their inclusion would add a cherry to the team’s cake.

• Narayan Jagadeeshan

With a higher probability of seeing our beloved captain cool, MS Dhoni, don the yellow jersey for one final time, the management should focus on having a reliable wicketkeeper batter, and the local boy Narayan Jagadeeshan can be a viable option in their auction game plan.

Though he was a part of the franchise previously and couldn’t get a regular chance to spread his wings for his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK can rely on him and groom this budding wicketkeeper batter for their long-term requirements.

The IPL 2022 Auction is an even that can often spring up some surprises, and allow certain players to go higher than expected. With a lot of talent and lot to offer from a certain players, the Auction sees cricketers go at rates much greater than their base price, despite not much predictions being made. The surprising picks are not necessarily the highest paid, but they do end up having a lot more demand than expected in the IPL Auction.

IPL 2022 Auction Players to watch , here is the list

Odean Smith

Odean Smith is a fast-bowling all-rounder from Jamaica, and is very similar to Andre Russel. He can touch speeds of 90 miles per hour with ease, and is a very explosive six-hitter at the back end of the innings. His performance in the Caribbean Premier League was pretty good last season, and Smith is also starting to find his feet in international cricket.

He isn’t too experienced and his ability in India hasn’t been tested yet, and these factors could be on the franchises mind. Apart from his experience and ability in India though, Odean Smith could be a promising buy, and with his explosive ability he could go for a decent price when compared to his base price.

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan made a name for himself in the TNPL, with his explosive hitting, and continued to do wonders in the domestic tournaments. He is now famous for his finishing abilities, and was a key player for Tamil Nadu in the Syed Ali Mushtaq Trophy and the Vijay Hazare trophy. In the previous IPL auction, Shah Rukh Khan had some strong demand as he went for over 6cr. He had a decent season, scoring fifty against Chennai, but couldn’t find a regular spot in the team. He has had a better year after the IPL, and has also made the national squad, which could help increase the demand for him in the IPL Auction.

Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone had a dream tournament while playing the hundred, and is in some strong form for England in the shortest format. His batting in the middle has been aggressive and consistent, but it has been his bowling which is making noise. With the ability to bowl both off and leg spin, Livingstone is a silent and economical customer in the middle overs. He has been running through his overs nicely, and choking teams. His bowling wasn’t used to much by the Rajasthan Royals, but this time it will have a huge role in the tournament, and that could be a factor that helps his price go up high.

KS Bharat

With all the franchises hitting the reset button, wicket-keepers will have a lot of demand. KS Bharat has been in the middle of a good run, and that helps him gather attention. He has played for India A consistently, and is a part of the Test side, subbing in nicely against New Zealand.

He was also pretty consistent for RCB last season, scoring runs at three and setting the innings up nicely for Glenn Maxwell and Ab De Villiers. Among all the consistency, Bharat rose to fame after a famous incident with Avesh Khan saw him hit a six to beat Delhi in a thrilling encounter. Recent events will definitely help the Andhra boy be among the top wicket-keepers to look out for in the IPL Auction.

Washington Sundar

As always, all-rounders generally tend to have a lot of takers in the IPL Auction. Washington Sundar is one who is very capable to attract interest as well. He is young, he can bat anywhere in the batting line-up, and bowls off-spin. He is very good with the new ball, giving silent overs up front, and can also open the batting as he did the job in the TNPL before. He is in good batting form, and has nearly breached the century on multiple occasions. With multiple utilities and age on his side, Sundar could have a lot of takers, and it will be interesting to see how teams use Sundar’s potential as he often goes unused in the IPL.

Jason Holder

Jason Holder is another quiet customer who can bring in a lot of value. He came in as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh in IPL 2020, and did a really good job with the ball as Sunrisers turned a poor tournament around and qualified. He took a lot of wickets in the middle-order while also providing stability in the middle order. As a bowler, Holder doesn’t have too much pace, which makes him go unnoticed. His height though allows him to extract awkward bounce, and he has the knack of getting lots of wickets in the middle overs.

Coming to his batting, Holder isn’t as explosive as an Andre Russell, but he can hit the big ones nicely. He is a calm cricketer who takes the game deep, and calculates his innings well. He knows how to hang around, and plays the situation nicely before going for the big ones. Despite his talents, Jason Holder often tends to go unnoticed, but his numbers are good enough to keep franchises interested, and he could easily surprise a lot of people in the IPL Auction.

Deepak Chahar

Since 2018, Deepak Chahar has been among the top bowlers in the powerplay. He has the ability to extract any amount of swong in the surface, and is priceless upfront, picking up key wickets early on. Along with his new-ball skills, Deepak Chahar is an improving death bowler, and has grown vastly in the last few years. He is also a handy lower order batter, and due to his all-round skills, Chahar can easily attract some strong bids in the auction. With the Chennai Super Kings likely to target him, Chahar will not go cheap, and may well break records as the most expensive fast bowler in the IPL Auction.