IPL 2025 opening ceremony: Shah Rukh Khan teaches Pathaan hook step to Virat Kohli

SRK also danced with Rinku Singh and called Virat Kohli the GOAT of cricket.

Saturday, March 22, saw the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The event was lit with the presence of celebrities, cricketers and other prominent personalities. Shah Rukh Khan, as the host, took over the stage and ensured to have fun with the cricketers. He called Virat Kohli the GOAT (Greatest of all time) of cricket, taught him Jhoome Jo Pathaan hook step and also danced with Rinku Singh.

Shah Rukh Khan charms audiences at Eden Gardens at the IPL 2025 opening ceremony.

Shah Rukh Khan charmed thousands of fans at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens as he kicked off the opening ceremony on Saturday evening. He took the mic to give a short speech and highlighted the fans’ enthusiasm that has made IPL a celebration of cricket.

SRK kickstarts IPL 2025.

Shah Rukh Khan looked dapper in a blue shirt, leather jacket, and trousers. In his speech, he said, “Party Pathan ke ghar pe rakhoge toh mehman nawazi ke liye Pathan khud aayega aur patake bhi layega (If you keep the party at Pathaan’s house, he will surely come to celebrate and also bring with him firecrackers).”

Shah Rukh Khan dances with Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh.

After Karan Aujla’s performance, he said, “Kolkata, kemon acho? IPL ne pichle 18 saalo mein bohut se zindagi badal diye hein. Log aajkal break up nahi karte strategic time out lete hein. Lets give it up guys for the biggest celebration.” SRK then introduced Virat Kohli as the GOAT of cricket. The two also interacted on the stage. He praised Kohli as the OG player of the IPL and chanted his name thrice. He also danced with Rinku Singh on Lutt Putt Gaya from the film Dunki.

Performing on stage for the opening ceremony of IPL 2025 were also Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani.