Why 'Thalaiva' Rajinikanth Feels Bad For SRH Owner Kavya Maran?

image-lknqsn8pSRH's performances in the last three IPL seasons have been appalling

Indian film superstar Rajinikanth has voiced his concern over Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) abysmal performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 'Superstar', as he is fondly known, made these comments during the audio launch of his upcoming film 'Jailer' on July 28 which triggered a widespread online discussion.


Rajinikanth pleads SRH owner to revamp team for daughter Kaviya's sake

The past three years have seen SRH experience a steep decline in their IPL performance, finishing last in the 2021 and 2023 seasons and eighth in the 2022 season.

The disappointing streak has coincided with Kaviya Maran's term as the team's CEO. Kaviya, the daughter of SRH owner Kalanithi Maran, has been a visible presence at team events and matches, and her displays of passion and frustration have resonated with the fans.

It was Kaviya's repeated displays of distress during the IPL that evoked the comment from Rajinikanth who empathized with her disappointment as he urged her father to include better players in the team.

"Kalanithi Maran should put good players in Sunrisers Hyderabad team. I feel bad seeing Kaviya like that on TV during the IPL," said Rajinikanth.

This unexpected show of support from the 'Thalaiva' for Kaviya and SRH has since been shared widely across social media platforms.

Coming to SRH’s performance in the last three years, the Orange Army had replaced David Warner with Kane Williamson as the team captain in the IPL 2021 in an attempt to reverse their fortunes. Yet, the performance of the team remained underwhelming.

The management decided to let go of the Australian in the 2022 season and Kane Williamson in the 2023 season, which was indicative of the franchise's uncertain approach towards player management.

In the IPL 2023, they appointed South African batsman Aiden Markram as their captain. However, this change also failed to uplift the team's performance, as they ended the season in last place with just four victories in 10 matches.