Hope to make city proud: SRK

We are more organised this time, says KKR principal owner

A STAFF REPORTER

Calcutta: The Prince of Calcutta and the Sultan of Swing were there. On Monday, the royal trinity of the Kolkata Knight Riders' was completed when Shah Rukh 'King' Khan visited the city to attend the franchise's ongoing camp. The principal owner was here, as he said, to "cheer up the boys" and hoped that the Knights will "do better" in the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Also, on behalf of his team, he expressed regret over letting Calcutta down in the first two editions of the T20 event. It was learnt Monday that, as part of the build-up to edition No.3, KKR, who do have a lot to prove, would be touring Bangladesh to play some practice matches between February 1-5. Besides meeting the players, at the CC&FC ground, Shah Rukh had a brief interaction with the media. The following are excerpts The camp I'm not the right person here to talk about cricket… There are many experts — Sourav (Ganguly), Dav (Whatmore), Wasim (Akram) — who have a better understanding of the game. The boys are working extremely hard at the camp and I have just come to cheer them up. Calcutta is the base for our team and I love coming here. The reason behind visiting the preparatory camp This is certainly not the first time I have visited KKR at practice. I'm sure I have done that earlier too. Last year, things were too jumbled up — I got injured and then the tournament was shifted to South Africa. During the first edition, we had to play at a very short notice, so there wasn't really too much time for practice. But this time it's different and we are more organised. Hopes for 2010… We have a fresh approach to everything this year. We have a new coach in Dav, a new group of support staff and of course, there's Wasim. I'm glad they haven't changed me at least! Hopefully, by the end of the year we will be able to make Calcutta proud. On the upcoming IPL auction We have some names in mind. But a clearer picture about the availability of the international players will emerge by January 17-18. Dav and Dada will be taking a call on that. And, of course, I'll add some inputs. The poor showing in the last two seasons Let's forget it... I mean it's over. We should concentrate on the way ahead. We have a mixture of experience and youth this time. I believe in team spirit and we have to ensure that it is maintained throughout. It's a new format and, may be, the players needed a little more time. But I take collective responsibility for the performance. I also feel I have let Calcutta down. We have just not been able to perform as a cohesive unit and need to work more towards achieving that. Any regrets… I regret losing… I don't like losing. I also regret that I have let Calcutta down, more so because of the love this city has showered on us. We're a good and honest side and I believe we can do much better than what we have so far. We have to bring cohesiveness into the team. It's also about proving to myself that if I undertake a job, I can be successful at it. His take on the revolt of hockey players It's sad for any sport. Hockey is a special sport for us as we have a great history in it. People have the right to protest in whatever way they feel right. But the important thing is to focus on resolving the matter. All in a day's work Shah Rukh Khan's almost seven-hour stay in the city on Monday might appear short but the principal owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders had a busy schedule. From visiting the Knights' camp at the CC&FC to hosting a dinner for the players at a city hotel, SRK managed everything. And, as always, in style. This is how the Bollywood superstar's visit went: 1.58pm — Shah Rukh enters CC&FC. After a brief chat with the KKR management, he steps on to the ground. He exchanges greetings with Sourav Ganguly and Wasim Akram before discussing a few things. He also meets physio Andrew Leipus and trainer Adrian Le Roux before walking up to have a chat with coach Dav Whatmore. It appeared as if he was asking for a few suggestions from the fitness experts for his injured back. 2.15pm — Shah Rukh is mobbed by autograph hunters, but manages a brief interaction with the media. 2.25pm — Holds a round of discussions, over beverages, with KKR officials. Also sees the practice match being played among the Knights. 4.00pm — Has a brief meeting on some charity project. 4.10pm — Has a second round of interaction with Sourav, Dav and Akram, after the completion of the practice matches. 4.15pm — Leaves CC&FC for the hotel where he is supposed to meet the players for dinner. 5.00pm — Enters hotel for the dinner and meets players personally. 7.55pm — Leaves for airport from hotel.

Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100112/jsp/sports/story_11972627.jsp
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