The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony in Kolkata, where Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and cricketing legend Virat Kohli turned the night into an unforgettable spectacle. Held at the iconic Eden Gardens, the event was a perfect blend of entertainment and sport, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
Shah Rukh Khan, the charismatic co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, proved once again why he’s the ultimate showman. Hosting the ceremony with his trademark charm, SRK had the audience hanging on to his every word. The evening reached its peak when he invited former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli to join him on stage. In a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy, SRK hailed Kohli as the “Original Gangster” and the “Greatest of All Time” in IPL history, noting his loyalty to a single franchise throughout his career. “The ruler of the pitch and a billion dreams—let’s give it up for the one and only Virat Kohli!” SRK declared, as the stadium echoed with “Kohli Kohli” chants.
What followed was pure magic. The duo broke into a spirited dance to SRK’s hit song Jhoome Jo Pathaan, their chemistry lighting up the stage. Kohli, known for his fiery on-field persona, showed off a playful side, matching steps with SRK as fans whipped out their phones to capture the moment. Social media exploded with clips of the performance, with hashtags like #KingKhanMeetsKingKohli trending instantly.
Earlier in the evening, SRK had already won hearts by pulling KKR’s Rinku Singh onto the stage for a lively dance to Lutt Putt Gaya from his movie Dunki. Rinku’s quirky moves had Kohli and the audience in stitches, setting a jovial tone for the night. The camaraderie between the stars—both cricketing and cinematic—added a special layer of warmth to the glitzy affair.
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony wasn’t just about cricket; it was a celebration of India’s love for entertainment in all its forms. With SRK and Kohli leading the charge, the night set the perfect tone for what promises to be another thrilling season of the world’s biggest T20 league. Fans left Eden Gardens with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
