KKR is under a lot of pressure: SRK

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday revealed he has been receiving "strange" hate mails for stripping Sourav Ganguly of KKR captaincy.

"I get strange hate mails from people for taking decision for the team's sake," Shah Rukh said.

"But that is okay, I'm saving them all so that I can go to each house and say (the KKR anthem) 'Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo' (I'll do it, fight and win)...," he added.

In a fervent plea to the Kolkatans to stay by the side of KKR, Shah Rukh said, "Along the way if we go wrong, please feel for us and send us positive energies."

Arguably the most hyped Indian Premier League franchisee, KKR has been in the news this year since coach John Buchanan floated the multiple-captain theory which many in Kolkata saw as yet another Australian ploy to strip local favourite Sourav Ganguly of captaincy.

Buchanan's idea was eventually shelved but Ganguly didn't retain his job either as KKR named Kiwi stumper Brendon McCullum as its new captain, a decision that did not go down well in Kolkata.

Shah Rukh said it was not easy pleasing people in Kolkata where emotions run high and admitted there was tremendous pressure on his side.

"We are under a lot of pressure. We are a hyped team because the owners are from film industry and because we have the most passionate city backing us," the Bollywood actor said.

"For good and bad, the Kolkatans love us one night and one night they do get angry with our decisions. But I promise you guys that the dream I have is to come to Kolkata with the IPL trophy and dance. Will do some new steps for Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo," he said.

Incidentally, Sourav Ganguly played a cameo role in Tuesday's win with two quick wickets even though he didn't get a chance to bat.

Shah Rukh took the occasion to pledge his support for Ganguly and said for him, the former India captain remained the greatest KKR player.

"I want him to be the Player of the Tournament this year. Whoever feels he is not given importance in the team, let me tell you that for me, he is the greatest Knight Riders player. He and (Chris) Gayle will compete for the 'Player of the Tournament' award," he said.

Dwelling on today's win against Kings XI Punjab -- which came via Duckworth-Lewis method -- Shah Rukh admitted it came as a huge relief for his side.

"It's nice to be here. This is surely not the best way to win a game but a win is a win nevertheless.  

"I understand that we are a team under pressure. With multiple captain, choice of captain and the way we played the first game, it all probably were signs of a team in disarray. But we know we will stick together. It's good we started coming together," he said.