Gautam Gambhir’s leadership played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ success, securing two IPL titles in the past decade. Now, as he embarks on a new journey as a ‘Team Mentor,’ ahead of the IPL 2024 the goal is to elevate the team’s standing even further.
Known for turning around struggling teams, Gambhir took charge of KKR during the fourth season of the IPL after the team failed to reach the knockout stages in the initial three seasons. Speaking at a promotional event ahead of the upcoming IPL season, despite his reputation for being outspoken and passionate, Gambhir expressed gratitude to SRK and KKR’s management for their patience with him
“I’m a very tough guy to handle. I have to thank SRK (Shah Rukh) and (Venky) Mysore (Managing Director of KKR) for putting up with my tantrums all these years.” said Gautam Gambir.
Reflecting on his tenure, he recalled SRK giving him a free hand and entrusting him with the franchise’s future, stating, “This is your franchise, make it or break it.”
Acknowledging the support he received from KKR and its owner, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Gambhir humbly credited the franchise for his own success. He emphasized, “I didn’t make KKR successful, KKR made me successful. KKR made me a leader.”
“Because the truth is that we know how to fight with honesty, we know how to lose, and we know how to win,” he added.
As Gambhir begins his new role alongside coach Chandrakant Pandit, known for his own success in domestic cricket, the dynamic between the two will be closely observed. With Gambhir’s determination and KKR’s support, the team looks poised for continued success in the IPL.
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