IPL 2024: Shah Rukh Khan's inspiring speech to KKR players after tough loss against RR goes viral

In a highly-anticipated clash between two Indian Premier League (IPL) heavyweights, the Rajasthan Royals defeated Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, April 16.

After being put in to bat first, KKR posted a huge score of 223/6 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a stunning century from Sunil Narine. The southpaw continued his marvelous form at the top of the order, ripping apart the opposition's bowling with his breathtaking strokeplay. Narine scored a brilliant 109 off 56 deliveries, with the help of 13 fours and six sixes.

Aiming to chase down the towering target, the Royals found themselves in trouble as several of their batters failed to go big. However, it was the knock of Jos Buttler that helped the Royals win the game as the star batter scored an unbeaten 107 off 60 deliveries and helped his side win the game by two wickets on the last ball.

Also read: Shah Rukh Khan's distraught looks during last moments of KKR vs RR thriller grab attention

We have to be very very proud of ourselves: Shah Rukh Khan

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan was seen delivering an inspirational speech to the players in the dressing room after the match. In a video posted by KKR on X, Shah Rukh was heard assuring the team, that they should not feel down, as the team would bounce back in their upcoming matches.

"There are days in our lives, in sports, especially when we don't deserve to lose and there are days when we don't deserve to win. But days are like that, which turns things around. Today, we didn't deserve to lose. All of us played extremely well. We have to be very very proud of ourselves. Please don't feel sad or down. Feel as happy as we feel whenever we come to the changing room and we are on a high so maintain the high. The main thing is the energy in all of us and I think we have great energy on the field. We have lovely energy here," Shah Rukh said.

Also read: Jos Buttler credits Indian stars for inspiration behind sensational knock

Acknowledging the collective effort of the team, he reassured mentor Gautam Gambhir and the players that setbacks are a part of the game, and they would bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.

"Personally, everybody is bonding together. Honestly, it is a very proud day for the way we all played. I think all of us won't take individual names, that's been taken. GG (Gautam Gambhir), don't feel down, we will all be bouncing back. It is God's plan today, as Rinku (Singh) says. I think this is what we would like, we will be back with more and better God's plans. Thank you everyone and God bless you all," he added.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side, currently second on the points table with four wins from six matches, will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next encounter in Kolkata on April 21.