The 2025 IPL season hasn’t begun on a great note for defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Playing at their home ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Ajinkya Rahane-led team suffered a seven-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Despite this setback, KKR remains one of the most popular and successful teams in the league. On March 26, Kolkata Knight Riders will play against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The thrilling match is set to begin at 7:30 PM. 

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is one of the original eight franchises that participated in the first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2008. The three-time IPL winner team is co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and her businessman husband, Jay Mehta, under the umbrella of Knight Riders Sports Private Ltd.

KKR played its first-ever IPL match on April 18, 2008, against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Bengaluru. It was a historic victory, with Brendon McCullum smashing an unbeaten 158 off 73 balls, leading KKR to a 140-run win. The team clinched its first IPL title in 2012 under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, followed by another win in 2014, thanks to the outstanding performances of Robin Uthappa, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell. After a long gap of ten years, KKR lifted its third trophy in 2024, with Shreyas Iyer as the captain and Gambhir as the mentor.

As of 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders continue to be co-owned by Red Chillies Entertainment, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta. According to The Economic Times, this ownership trio has been associated with KKR since the franchise's inception in 2008, when they bought the team for $75.09 million (around Rs 298 crore at that time). If we talk about the current valuation of the team, then KKR stands at 9,020 crore, according to crictracker. The team's name, "Knight Riders," was inspired by the famous 1980s American TV show "Knight Rider."

Shah Rukh Khan, popularly known as "King Khan," is one of the biggest names in Bollywood and a successful entrepreneur. He owns Red Chillies Entertainment, which has played a significant role in KKR’s branding and financial growth. Apart from his cricket investments, SRK is recognised globally for his philanthropy and has been awarded by UNESCO and the World Economic Forum.

Bollywood actor and owner of KKR SRK after winning the IPL 2024 final against SRH | Credit: BCCL

As per the 2024 Hurun India Rich List, Shah Rukh Khan's net worth stands at a whopping Rs 7,300 crore, reported in TOI. His vast fortune comes from multiple sources, including his film production company Red Chillies Entertainment, cricket ventures, and real estate investments. SRK’s luxurious properties include the iconic Mannat in Mumbai (worth Rs 200 crore), an apartment in London’s Park Lane, a villa in Beverly Hills, and homes in Delhi, Alibaug, and Dubai.

The Bollywood Badshah also boasts an enviable car collection featuring brands like Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Bugatti, and BMW. His most expensive vehicle is the Bugatti Veyron, worth Rs 12 crore.

Juhi Chawla, a Bollywood actress known for her performances in "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" and "Darr," is also a successful businesswoman. Though she has been away from mainstream films for years, her financial standing has continued to grow, largely due to her investments in KKR.

According to the 2024 Hurun India Rich List, Juhi Chawla's net worth is estimated at Rs 4,600 crore, surpassing many current Bollywood actresses. With the impressive net worth she became the richest actress in India. The staggering net worth of Juhi Chawla is more than the combined wealth of Aishwarya Rai (Net worth Rs 850 crore), Alia Bhatt (Net worth Rs 550 crore), Priyanka Chopra (Net worth Rs 650 crore) and Deepika Padukone (Net worth Rs 500 crore), who have also featured in the list. 

According to ET, Juhi Chawla owns an impressive collection of cars, which includes an Aston Martin Rapide (Rs 3.3 crore), BMW 7 Series (Rs 1.8 crore), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Rs 1.7 crore), Jaguar XJ (Rs 1.2 crore), and a Porsche Cayenne (Rs 1.36-2 crore).

She and her husband Jay Mehta, invested in Kolkata Knight Riders in 2007, purchasing the franchise with Shah Rukh Khan.

Jay Mehta, a renowned businessman and Chairman of The Mehta Group, is another key stakeholder in KKR. The Mehta Group is a multinational conglomerate with interests in cement, packaging, sugar, horticulture, and engineering. With over 15,000 employees worldwide, the group plays a crucial role in Jay Mehta’s immense fortune.

Jay Mehta | Credit: BCCL

Jay Mehta's estimated net worth is around Rs 4,171 crore, as per Financial Express. While he is known for his business empire, he is also a major player in the IPL ecosystem, ensuring KKR remains one of the top-performing teams.

Since its inception, KKR has been one of the most profitable IPL franchises. The team has consistently performed well on the field, securing three IPL titles, and off the field, it has grown into a global brand. The franchise has expanded its reach by owning teams in other leagues, such as Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

With Shah Rukh Khan’s marketing acumen, Juhi Chawla’s strategic contributions, and Jay Mehta’s business expertise, KKR remains a dominant force in IPL. The team’s valuation has skyrocketed over the years, proving that it is not just a cricket team but a multi-million-dollar enterprise.

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