Kolkata:

After defeating Hyderabad’s Deccan Chargers on April 20 at the Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders and team owner Shah Rukh Khan were at the peak of their confidence about winning the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“I love winning — whether it’s IPL matches or films or a game of carom with my kids or the entire world. I believe my victory is God’s assurance that I really worked hard,” the superstar said on the sidelines of a press conference after Sunday’s match.

Does he not get nervous while his Knights are in action? “Kolkata Knight Riders is my dream personified. I always wanted to be a cricketer. Now it’s through my team that I am fulfilling my dream. I am possessive about my team. When my boys are playing I am worried throughout about their comfort. It’s like seeing Aryan (son) take part in a race and praying that he wins unhurt.”

Did he spend INRs 2 billion on the team just to fulfil his dream, or has he already started calculating his profits?

“Do I look so intelligent as to count my profit instead of shouting and cheering for my team?” he said with a smile.

“The team is divided into three sections — the cricket part is looked after by my Knights, I look after the entertainment section and my business partner Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta look after the administrative part. The latter will be the right people to comment on the profit.”

How was the experience of playing the first match at Eden Gardens? “It’s fantastic. Only Kolkatans can feel the true spirit of cricket. It’s their overwhelming support that no tough pitch and power failure could come in the way of the victory of the Knight Riders.”

What is beyond the team motto — Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo (Do, Fight, Win)?

“The Kolkata Knight Riders are here to teach the world how to believe and win a dream that no one else dares to do. Discipline, dedication and dignity are the three powers that are combined at every stroke of our bat and every throw of our ball,” he said.