To say it was a star-studded affair at the Eden Gardens yesterday would be an understatement.
To say it was a star-studded affair at the Eden Gardens yesterday would be an understatement. Sample these names... Kolkata Knight Riders owners Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Katrina Kaif, Diya Mirza and Brian Lara. They were all seen in the Corporate Box to the right of the clubhouse where the old 'B' block was. Shah Rukh ensured he had enough of black coffee while Katrina had some sliced banana. Diya had nothing but Lara and partner enjoyed the various snacks on offer.
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Rohan Gavaskar, who had played for the rebel Indian Cricket League, made his Indian Premier League debut yesterday. Father Sunil was here as commentator and they were seen having a long chat which began at 2.30 pm. Gavaskar Jr got his chance because the team management decided to drop Laxmi Ratan Shukla, the former India player.
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The Eden Gardens responded magnificently to Kolkata Knight Riders' first home game of IPL III.
The Mexican wave was a hit and the Knight Riders' theme song Korbo Lorbo Jitbo Re was on the lips of most fans. The crowd went crazy when Shah Rukh decided to sing it for them.
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Kolkata Knight Riders coach Dav Whatmore has come a long way. Thirty years ago he first visited the Eden Gardens as a Test player with Kim Hughes' Australian team. It was a forgettable Test for him since he scored a total of eight runs in two innings.
In 1996, he was coach of Arjuna Ranatunga's Sri Lankan team which went on to win the World Cup by beating Australia in the final. So he knows what's it like to be in both the hosts and visitors' dressing room.
It was a special evening for Whatmore, who succeeded John Buchanan as coach of the Knight Riders. And his smile said it all.
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