Gambhir won't be forced to play CLT20: SRK

Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan has asked injured skipper Gautam Gambhir not to rush into the Champions League T20 qualifying tournament scheduled to take place in Hyderabad between September 19 and 21.


Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo: KKR owner Shahrukh Khan hoists the CLT20
trophy at a promotional event yesterday. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

Gambhir had prematurely returned from the ongoing tour of England due to concussions he suffered during last month's Oval Test. "It is very unfortunate that our captain is injured. We are clueless whether he will be fit to play, or not. Our physios and trainers are attending to him, but it is the player who has to make the final call," he said yesterday.


KKR captain Gautam Gambir

The charismatic movie star recalled his team's IPL semi-final against Mumbai Indians earlier this year that saw Gambhir aggravating a shoulder injury. "There are times when players don't know how big the injury is.

Something like that happened during the IPL semi-final. When we spoke to Gambhir before that game, he wasn't aware of the extent of his injury, and risked playing. Being a team owner I will always want my players to be 100 per cent fit on the field.

"Even if he doesn't play, I will request him to be on the ground to at least cheer the players," he added.
Asked about his team's chances to qualify to the main event that begins on September 23, he said: "Despite losing the IPL semis, we are fortunate to still have an outside change (to qualify). We hope our luck will change."