When Gautam Gambhir landed in Kolkata to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2024, he was greeted with a warm reception at the airport.
The IPL 2024 is just around the corner, and all eyes are on the Kolkata Knight Riders as they gear up for the tournament. Making headlines ahead of the IPL auction, KKR made a significant move by appointing Gautam Gambhir as the team’s mentor. This decision holds special significance as Gambhir shares a deep emotional bond with Kolkata Knight Riders, having led them to two IPL titles in the past.
Gambhir’s return to Kolkata after seven years is indeed a heartfelt moment for both him and the franchise. His task as a mentor involves working closely with both the seasoned players and the budding talents, aiming to revive the winning spirit that seemed to have waned in recent seasons.
Previously, Gambhir bid adieu to the Kolkata Knight Riders after the 2017 season, marking the end of his remarkable journey as a player with the team. His tenure as captain saw KKR rise from underdogs to champions, clinching their maiden title in 2012 and repeating the feat in 2014, a testament to Gambhir’s leadership skills.
Before his stint with KKR, Gambhir represented Delhi Daredevils in the initial seasons of the IPL. However, it was his move to KKR in 2011, for a record-breaking USD 2.4 million, that truly defined his legacy in the tournament. Under his captaincy, KKR transformed into a dominant force, rewriting their narrative from underachievers to title contenders.
Recently, Gambhir expressed his desire to prioritize his cricket commitments, leading him to take a hiatus from politics. As he arrived at the Kolkata airport, passionate KKR fans flocked in large numbers to welcome their beloved leader back into the fold, chanting his initials, ‘GG GG’, with fervor. With Gambhir’s return, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ camp is brimming with optimism, hoping for a remarkable season ahead.
Gautam Gambhir served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in the past two IPL seasons before deciding to return to KKR. With IPL 2024 set to kick off on March 22, KKR will start their journey on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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