Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli
One of the earliest and most memorable appearances was by the Master Blaster himself. Back in 2001, Sachin Tendulkar graced the hot seat alongside his childhood friend and fellow cricketer, Vinod Kambli. Their appearance was for a noble cause, as they
played to raise funds for the victims of the Gujarat earthquake. The episode offered fans a rare glimpse into their friendship and shared history, with Tendulkar sharing anecdotes from their early days. The duo went on to win a significant amount for the cause, making their time on the show both entertaining and impactful.
Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag
The dynamic opening pair of Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag brought their signature camaraderie from the pitch to the hot seat in a 'Shaandaar Shukravaar' episode of KBC 13 in September 2021. Their playful banter with host Amitabh Bachchan was a highlight, filled with hilarious anecdotes from their playing days. The duo, known for their fearless cricket, displayed impressive general knowledge and teamwork, ultimately winning ₹25 lakh which they dedicated to a noble cause. Their episode remains a fan favourite for its perfect blend of humour and heart.
Yuvraj Singh and Vidya Balan
In a deeply emotional season 9 finale in 2017, all-rounder Yuvraj Singh appeared alongside actress Vidya Balan. While the episode had its share of fun moments, it became truly poignant when Yuvraj opened up about his battle with cancer. He spoke candidly about his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, leaving the audience and host Amitabh Bachchan moved. Playing for his foundation, YouWeCan, which raises awareness and supports cancer patients, Yuvraj won ₹25 lakh, turning his personal struggle into a powerful message of hope and resilience on a national platform.
The Indian Women's Cricket Team
Following their phenomenal performance in the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup, the Indian women's cricket team received a grand welcome on KBC 9. Captain Mithali Raj, along with key players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jhulan Goswami, graced the show. They played in pairs, sharing stories of their journey and the challenges they overcame. Their appearance was a significant moment, celebrating their success and bringing women's cricket to the forefront of mainstream entertainment. The prize money they won was donated to a social development institute.
Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan
The KBC 13 finale episode in December 2021 featured the energetic duo of Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan. The episode was packed with entertainment as the two cricketers not only answered questions but also played cricket on set with Amitabh Bachchan and even broke into an impromptu bhangra performance. Their fun-loving nature and quick wit were on full display, sharing funny stories from the dressing room and their interactions with other players like Sachin Tendulkar. The duo won ₹25 lakh, ending the season on a high-spirited and celebratory note.
Smriti Mandhana and Ishan Kishan
More recently, in December 2023, the young and dynamic duo of Smriti Mandhana and Ishan Kishan brought their charm to KBC 15. Their episode was filled with youthful energy and playful moments, including a particularly funny instance where they had to use two lifelines for a question about Sachin Tendulkar. Ishan Kishan also won hearts with his cheeky questions directed at the host. The pair played well, winning ₹12.5 lakh and showcasing the new generation of Indian cricket stars in a completely different light.
