A little after 7.15pm, the DJ at Eden Gardens had started to play Jhoome jo Pathaan meri jaan, when Shah Rukh Khan, with daughter Suhana, first made an appearance in the balcony of the Kolkata Knight Riders box much to the delight of the lower tier spectators, besides the Club House.
The giant screen at the stadium flashed “Welcome Pathaan”, as the full house joined in chorus to greet their favourite star. There was not much to cheer for the Knights at the start though as Venkatesh Iyer and Mandeep Singh were dismissed off consecutive deliveries and Shah Rukh retreated inside the box.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz did provide some entertainment but his and Andre Russell’s dismissals again brought the gloom back in the camp. The Royal Challengers Bangalore players were grinning from ear to ear as Kohli indulged in his trademark theatrics to spur on the celebrations.
The RCB fans made their presence felt and it was difficult to gauge if the Knights were playing at home. Amid the gloom at 89 for five, Shardul Thakur provided a whiff of fresh air. His blinder gave hope when all seemed lost.
The 103-run partnership with Rinku Singh brought the smiles back on the Knights’ faces. Be it superstition or some quirk of fate, Shah Rukh too was back in the balcony waving and acknowledging the cheers once Rinku departed.
The “RCB, RCB” chants soon made way for cries of “KKR, KKR” as the mood changed dramatically. For much of Thursday, the fans were torn between supporting Shah Rukh or Virat Kohli. It was easy to spot Kohli’s No. 18 shirt in the galleries. They basked in the glory, as Kohli began in style, only to return disappointed as RCB’s challenge faded away.
The Knights were making a return to their home turf after four years but Kohli had managed to rule at the box office. As wickets tumbled, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Realising their fate, the RCB fans vacated the stands long before the end.
Bari Phirchi Ebar, Ami KKR (Coming home this time, I am KKR) has been their slogan for this edition, but this comeback is sure to provide inspiration. Shah Rukh too didn’t forget to do a round of the stadium before bowing to public demand and striking the famous Pathaan pose.