Sourav Ganguly was at the helm of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) when the Indian Premier League (IPL) first kicked off in 2008. Shah Rukh Khan, the team’s owner, had entrusted Ganguly, one of India’s most successful captains, with the responsibility of leading the team. However, the initial three seasons were a disappointment, and Ganguly was stripped of his captaincy and eventually let go by the team.
Ganguly Opens Up About His Time With KKR
In his autobiography, “A Century Is Not Enough: My Roller-Coaster Ride to Success,” Ganguly reminisces about his days with KKR and his interactions with Shah Rukh Khan. He addresses the rumors that someone had turned Shah Rukh against him.
As the fourth season of the IPL approached, speculation about Ganguly’s future with KKR was rife. Venky Mysore, the team’s CEO, informed him that they wouldn’t be retaining him as a player but offered him a mentor role. Ganguly felt he still had a lot to offer as a player. He considered reaching out to Shah Rukh to discuss his concerns but decided against it.
Ganguly recalled his long-standing friendship with Shah Rukh and acknowledged that it’s likely Shah Rukh had a say in the decision. During the third IPL season, Ganguly stayed in touch with Shah Rukh, seeking his input on selecting the final eleven players – a departure from his usual practice when picking the Indian national team.
Was Ganguly’s Dismissal Justified?
Ganguly conceded that the team’s decision to relieve him of his captaincy was justified. However, he felt that dropping him as a batsman was a mistake.
The speculation surrounding Ganguly’s dismissal included claims that someone had poisoned Shah Rukh’s mind against him. Ganguly dismissed these rumors, stating that he didn’t believe anyone had turned Shah Rukh against him. One theory suggested that KKR’s management was displeased with his behavior during a particular match against Deccan Chargers at Eden Gardens.
Ganguly’s account provides insight into the intricacies of his time with KKR and his interactions with Shah Rukh Khan, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and controversies that surrounded his tenure with the team.