sb.scorecardresearch
Advertisement

Published 08:48 IST, November 23rd 2023

'I’m back': Gautam Gambhir expresses emotion following official appointment as KKR mentor

The Kolkata Knight Riders legend Gautam Gambhir is emotional on his return as a mentor ahead of the IPL 2024 season after he announced his departure from LSG.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
Gautam Gambhir for KKR
Gautam Gambhir for KKR | Image: BCCI
Advertisement

Gautam Gambhir, the former captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is projected to make a spectacular comeback to the team, albeit as a mentor this time. In order to return to KKR, the two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winning captain has left a coaching position at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

3 things you need to know 

  • Gautam Gambhir is considered a KKR legend 
  • Gautam Gambhir lifted 2 IPL trophies with KKR as a captain 
  • Gambhir announced his departure from LSG on Wednesday

Also Read: India stands with them today and always: PM Modi

Gautam Gambhir reacts to his return to KKR

On Wednesday, November 22, just hours after the former batter announced his exit from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) setup on X, KKR formally confirmed Gautam Gambhir's comeback to the team. The Knight Riders issued a statement in which  Gambhir expressed gratitude.

In the statement, Gambhir conveyed his happiness at rejoining KKR as a mentor. He also talked about what he thought about X in relation to this big move. In a post on X, he said: 

"I’m back. I’m hungry. I’m No.23. Ami KKR," 

The former cricket player Gautam Gambhir has been a part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the past two IPL seasons since the team's founding. His crucial influence in moulding the team's composition during the IPL 2022 mega auction helped the team qualify for the playoffs on multiple occasions.

Also Read: Marnus Labuschagne opens up on Virat Kohli stare

Gautam Gambhir will look to lead KKR to glory!

Gambhir has a unique and enduring relationship with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was one of the most successful acquisitions made by KKR when they signed him at the 2011 IPL auction. After the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gambhir became just the third skipper to win multiple IPL titles while leading KKR to victories in 2012 and 2014. In addition to his wise leadership, Gambhir was a key member of the squad as an opening bat.

Gambhir will work with head coach Chandrakant Pandit at KKR whenever he returns to help the team regain its old glory. KKR has had a difficult season lately, making the playoffs just once since 2018 and placing 7th the last two years.

08:48 IST, November 23rd 2023