'Your life is changed forever' - Brendon McCullum recalls Sourav Ganguly's reaction after his 158 in IPL 2008 opener

Brendon McCullum, the former Kiwi opener was known for his submissive hitting while he was playing competitive cricket. He was reckoned as one of the best hitters of the game, who played some memorable knocks throughout his illustrious career. But one innings that made him the superstar was his blistering knock of 158 runs off 73 balls in 2008 IPL for KKR against RCB.

His marathon knock left every one in awe including his own teammates and the 38-year-old recalls Sourav Ganguly and Shah Rukh Khan’s reaction after he returned to the dugout. IPL came into existence back in 2008 and it got off to a great start with a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The majority of the fans might not have expected such a brilliant start to the cash-rich league. However, McCullum managed to pull off a blinder on the back of his fearless batting. He smacked 13 sixes and 10 fours and lit up the Chinnaswamy Stadium with his glittery knock.

You’ll always be with the Knight Riders, said Shah Rukh Khan

Brendon McCullum said that he can’t remember the exact reactions of the players after his batting in the IPL 2008 opener. But he does remember the statement of Sourav Ganguly, the then KKR skipper. As per the former Kiwi opener, Ganguly told him that his life is changed for sure.

The 38-year-old recited that he was not sure what Ganguly meant at that time. But now he feels that the former Indian skipper was right. He also added that Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of KKR clearly said that he will always be a Knight Rider.

“I don’t remember many reactions in detail, but what I do remember is what Sourav Ganguly said to me that night. Dada said, ‘Your life is changed forever’, and I didn’t quite know what he meant at the time, but (in hindsight), I 100% agree with him. Shah Rukh, in the months which followed or the days and the weeks and the months which followed, he said. ‘you’ll always be with the Knight Riders’,” Brendon McCullum was quoted as saying by KKR’s official website.

The former New Zealand skipper couldn’t prolong his stint with the KKR and he was released by the franchise after a few seasons. But ahead of the 13th edition, he was roped in as the head coach of the same team.