Gautam Gambhir, the illustrious cricketer and former captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is set to make a significant return to the franchise as the team’s mentor for the upcoming IPL season in 2024, according to Cricket news recent. This announcement comes as a momentous development, considering Gambhir’s pivotal role in leading KKR to victory in the IPL in 2012 and 2014.
A Sentimental Homecoming
Expressing his emotions on the reunion, Gambhir said, “I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is different. This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again.” The sentimental connection Gambhir shares with KKR adds a layer of significance to his return.
Gautam Gambhir had a remarkable journey with Kolkata Knight Riders, joining the team in 2011 and captaining it until 2017. Under his leadership, KKR not only secured two IPL titles but also consistently qualified for the playoffs, showcasing a dominant presence in the league. Gambhir’s impact extended beyond the IPL, as the team reached the final of the Champions League T20 in 2014.
Team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan expressed his delight at having Gambhir back in the KKR family, stating, “Gautam has always been part of the family, and this is our captain coming back home in a different avatar as a ‘Mentor.'” Khan emphasized the anticipation surrounding Gambhir’s collaboration with head coach Chandrakant Pandit to instill the never-say-die spirit and sportsmanship ethos in Team KKR.
Knight Riders’ Support Staff Lineup
The Knight Riders’ coaching staff, led by head coach Chandrakant Pandit, boasts a strong lineup featuring Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, James Foster as assistant coach, Bharat Arun as the bowling coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as the fielding coach. With Gambhir joining as the mentor, the team looks well-equipped to face the challenges of the upcoming season.
Despite KKR’s long-standing presence in every IPL edition since 2008, the team faced a setback by finishing seventh in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The franchise aims for a resurgence under the mentorship of Gambhir and the coaching expertise of Pandit and his team. The IPL 2024 presents an opportunity for KKR to reclaim its position as a dominant force in the league.
In recent years, Gautam Gambhir has ventured into diverse roles, including serving as a Member of Parliament, a cricket pundit on television, and being associated with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. His role as a “global mentor” expanded beyond the IPL, making him a part of Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 league in South Africa.
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