Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan on Sunday showered praise on Sunil Narine after the Kolkata Knight Riders spinner achieved a historic milestone in the Indian Premier League. Narine became the first overseas player to claim 200 wickets in the IPL during KKR's clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Narine's Historic Achievement
Sunil Narine is also the first player to reach this mark while representing a single franchise, underscoring his loyalty and consistency for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Shortly after the match, Shah Rukh Khan, who is the co-owner of KKR, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a heartfelt message for the spinner. In his note, the actor referred to Narine as a "magician" and reminisced about their long journey together, highlighting his immense impact over the years.
Sharing a picture with Narine, Shah Rukh 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! #SunilNarine"
The post quickly went viral, with fans and cricket enthusiasts joining in to celebrate the Trinidadian spinner's remarkable feat.
Narine's Journey to 200 Wickets
Narine reached the landmark during the match after recording figures of 2 for 31, helping restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of 165 runs. With this achievement, he entered the exclusive 200-wicket club, becoming only the third bowler in IPL history to do so. He now has 201 wickets in 197 matches at an average of 25.53, including one five-wicket haul. The spinner is also the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, trailing only Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Since making his debut in 2012, Narine has been a cornerstone of the Kolkata Knight Riders' bowling attack. Renowned for his control and ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures, he has played a pivotal role in the team's title triumphs in 2012, 2014, and 2024. Over the years, Narine has also garnered several individual accolades, including the Most Valuable Player award in 2012 and 2018, and the Purple Cap in 2012.
Fans and teammates alike have lauded Narine's consistency and dedication, with many considering him one of the greatest overseas players in IPL history. As KKR continues its campaign in the 2026 season, Narine's milestone serves as a testament to his enduring excellence on the cricketing stage.
