Despite having a well-rounded team, the Kolkata Knight Riders lack the star appeal that comes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli. Kohli has the unique ability to neutralize home advantage by captivating the audience with his performance. Anticipating a similar spectacle during the IPL 2025 opener between KKR and RCB at Eden Gardens, KKR co-owner and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has decided to take action.

The excitement surrounding the IPL's opening match on Sunday, March 22, is palpable, with the streets adjacent to Eden Gardens bustling with cricket enthusiasts, particularly following the arrival of RCB's star player, Virat Kohli. Fans crowded the vicinity, eagerly hoping for a glimpse of their idol, even going so far as to plead with law enforcement for a brief sighting.

Once Kohli entered the stadium, the atmosphere remained charged, with fervent chants of “Virat, Virat” resonating throughout. It was clear that Kohli continues to be the main attraction, even in Kolkata, which is traditionally the stronghold of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

For KKR to surpass the popularity of Kohli’s RCB, they may require more than just skill on the field—they will need their own 'King' to shine. Who better to fulfill this role than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the owner of KKR? Reports from Ananda Bazar Patrika suggest that Shah Rukh Khan is set to make an appearance at the IPL 2025 opening, not only as a team owner but also as the host of the grand ceremony.

Disha Patani, Shreya Ghoshal to join Shah Rukh in IPL opening ceremony

In addition to Shah Rukh Khan, the event will feature performances by notable celebrities such as singer Shreya Ghoshal and actress Disha Patani. To heighten the excitement of the evening, Shah Rukh Khan will take on the role of host for the opening ceremony, a position he is quite familiar with. Known as Bollywood's King Khan, he has previously emceed IPL ceremonies and is celebrated for his captivating presence at such gatherings. His charm and charisma are anticipated to illuminate the stage as he interacts with the audience in a quintessential film star manner.

Shah Rukh Khan's hosting is sure to be a standout moment of the night. At a past ceremony in Dubai, for example, he humorously presented a photo of Anushka Sharma to Virat Kohli, which thrilled the fans. It is likely that he will once again delight the audience with an unexpected twist, although the opening ceremony will be constrained to approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The event is expected to commence around 6:15 PM, followed by the match toss at 7:00 PM, with the game scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.

The evening will also showcase significant performances by Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. Both stars are anticipated to arrive in Kolkata on Friday, with rehearsals for their acts likely taking place that same evening. The opening ceremony is expected to feature an impressive ensemble of over 200 performers, including dancers and crew members. Officials from the cricket board, representatives from state cricket associations, and high-ranking members from international cricket boards will be present to witness this grand event.

To enhance the visual experience of the occasion, the organizers are contemplating the use of LED light bands, akin to those utilized in Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, to create a captivating atmosphere at Eden Gardens.

With Shah Rukh Khan at the helm of a glamorous opening and a star-studded lineup ready to perform, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony is poised to be an unforgettable evening. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a spectacular show.

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