Shah Rukh Khan’s Heartfelt Gesture: How KKR Supported Cheteshwar Pujara’s Career-Threatening Injury
Cricket careers can change in an instant, often due to unforeseen injuries. For Indian batting stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara, a severe knee injury in 2010 threatened to derail his burgeoning career before it even truly began with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL.
However, what followed was a heartwarming display of support from KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and the entire franchise, ensuring Pujara received the best possible care.
The Unforeseen Injury: A Budding Career Halted
A Fateful Practice Session
The incident occurred during a routine practice session. Cheteshwar Pujara, then a rising star known for his solid technique, injured himself while attempting a catch.
This seemingly innocuous moment resulted in a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a serious knee injury that required immediate surgery.
Crucially, this happened before he could play a single match for the IPL franchise, leaving his future uncertain.
Pujara’s Wife Recalls the Ordeal
Pujara’s wife, Puja, vividly recounted the challenging period in her book, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife.
She described how “Destiny impelled him to dash heedlessly to a ball for a catch that was never there; and the result: a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an impending surgery and a temporarily halted cricketing career — all without playing a single game for KKR.”
KKR and Shah Rukh Khan’s Unwavering Support
Comprehensive Care from the Franchise
Despite the setback occurring pre-debut, the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise immediately took full responsibility for Cheteshwar Pujara’s treatment.
Their support was comprehensive, managing every intricate detail from medical coordination to securing passports, visas, and travel arrangements for his surgery in Cape Town.
They even ensured Pujara’s father could accompany him to South Africa, providing crucial familial support during a difficult time.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Personal Assurance
Pujara’s father shared a moving account of Shah Rukh Khan’s personal involvement and generous gesture. SRK reportedly told him, “Chintu had a great future ahead of him and should have the best available medical treatment.”
Recognizing the father’s concerns about a support system in South Africa, Shah Rukh Khan went further, offering to fly out any family members he wished to accompany Pujara.
A team representative reiterated this profound commitment, stating: “We’ll also fly down anyone you want for the surgery. We’ll pay them here so that you have your own people around you.”
The remarkable support provided by Shah Rukh Khan and KKR included:
- Arranging and funding the ACL surgery in Cape Town.
- Managing all travel logistics, including passports and visas.
- Covering costs for Pujara’s father to accompany him to South Africa.
- Offering to fly any additional family members for support and comfort.
A Successful Recovery and Triumphant Return
The timing of the injury was particularly challenging for Cheteshwar Pujara, who was then making significant waves with strong domestic cricket performances.
Fortunately, the expert medical care and the extensive support from KKR and Shah Rukh Khan paid off handsomely.
The surgery in Cape Town was successful, paving the way for Pujara’s full recovery and his eventual return to the cricket field, where he would go on to become a cornerstone of the Indian Test team.
Conclusion: A Testament to Compassion
Shah Rukh Khan and the Kolkata Knight Riders’ actions in 2010 stand as a powerful testament to compassion and responsibility in sports.
Beyond the high-stakes world of the IPL, their commitment ensured a young talent like Cheteshwar Pujara could overcome a career-threatening injury and fulfill his immense potential.
This story reminds us that sometimes, the greatest wins happen off the field.