NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan sent social media into a celebratory mode with a touching tribute to Sunil Narine after the veteran spinner scripted yet another IPL landmark—this time by becoming the league’s first 200-wicket achiever for a single franchise.
Narine reached the milestone in style during KKR’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, becoming only the third bowler in IPL history to get to 200 wickets. The occasion carried extra weight because he was also the first player ever to reach 200 IPL wickets for one franchise, highlighting the loyalty and consistency that have defined his journey since making his debut in 2012.
Moments after the landmark, Shah Rukh Khan posted on X, sharing an image alongside Narine. In his message, he wrote: “Sunil, my friend… here’s to 15 seasons… over 200 wickets… 3 titles and many more with the @KKRiders franchise around the globe!!! You are a magician and we love you like our own family. Big hug for today and always… Be healthy and keep smiling!”
The post quickly gathered attention across platforms, with fans celebrating not only Narine’s achievement but also the strong connection he shares with the KKR setup.
Narine’s 200-wicket moment and the match impact
- Narine delivered the breakthrough when it mattered, taking the key wicket of Ishan Kishan.
- He finished the innings with figures of 2/31.
- KKR then dismissed SRH for 165 runs in 19 overs, handing Hyderabad a decisive setback.
- With that haul, Narine also became the first overseas bowler to cross the 200-wicket mark in IPL history.
The milestone further underlined Narine’s standing as one of the most reliable performers in the competition. He now boasts the top economy rate among bowlers who have bowled at least 1,800 deliveries in the IPL, striking at an impressive 6.79.
Narine’s economy rate edges past several established names: Dale Steyn (6.91), Harbhajan Singh (7.07), Lasith Malinga (7.14), and Rashid Khan (7.15).
Beyond numbers, Narine’s career story in the IPL has been built on both influence and longevity. From being named Most Valuable Player in 2012 and 2018 to playing pivotal roles in KKR’s title campaigns in 2012, 2014, and 2024, his impact has endured season after season.
