Shah Rukh dedicates Knight Riders to Indian youth

Kolkata, March 11 (IANS) 'Korbo, Lorbo, Jitbo' (we'll work hard, fight and win) will be the war cry of Kolkata Knight Riders, which Shah Rukh Khan hopes to be in sync with the youths of the nation.

'The team will perform on the maxim 'Korbo, Lorbo and Jitbo',' said Shah Rukh of Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

'The idea and ideology behind naming the team Kolkata Knight Riders is because I want to appeal to the youth of the country. I dedicate this year to the youths of the nation,' the Indian matinee idol said.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly will captain the team, while former Australian coach John Buchanan will be its coach. The support staff will include Adrew Leipus and Adrian Theo.

While the first two were present, President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Prasun Mukherjee and actor Juhi Chawla (Mehta) and her husband Jai Mehta also lighted up the occasion.

Shah Rukh also unveiled the logo and mascot royal Bengal tiger 'Hoog Lee' of the team and played the anthem prepared for the squad.

Asked how would the three Kings be in one place - King Khan of Bollywood, Maharaj of Kolkata and Royal Bengal Tiger - Shah Rukh said: 'Maharaj will dominate the field of cricket, I will do the entertainment stuff and Hoog Lee will be our mirror. He will excite us, inspire us and tongue-lash us if we make an error. He will be our conscience.'

Expressing happiness for having Ganguly as the captain, Shah Rukh described him as his 'favourite' of whom he was a fan.

'Sourav has been a big inspiration to me. I like the way he plays his cricket and have admired him for a long time. I always wanted him to be in my side.'

'With Buchanan and his trainers from Australia helping us, Insha Allah (god willing) we'll win the cup,' he said.

'We'll make Kolkata proud. We will make India proud of us.'

Then turning to Buchanan, Ganguly, in one of his most playful mood, he said: 'It is a pleasure to work with you John. Last time you did not have happy memories of Eden. I plan to make it a happy one this time.'

Buchanan was the coach of the Aussie team that lost to India here in 2001.

Shah Rukh said he would also sport one of the shirts and 'help the players with water in the field when required'.

Buchanan said the IPL would go on to help Indian cricket and provide a wonderful opportunity to players to rub shoulders with quality players from all around the world.

It would have long-term benefits for Indian cricket, he said.

Shah Rukh also stated that a Knight Rider album was on the anvil with several singers and music composers, including Usha Uthup and Bappi Lahiri.