IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir leaves Lucknow, returns to KKR as mentor
"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," he said.
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir has returned to the franchise as a mentor ahead of IPL 2024, the team announced on Wednesday (November 22).
Gambhir was with Luknow Super Giants (LSG) as their ‘global mentor’ for two seasons in 2022 and 2023. After leaving his post, he thanked the owners and called the association with team an "impeccable journey".
Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, announced that Gambhir will return to KKR as mentor and join hands with head coach Chandrakant Pandit.
Gambhir's previous association with KKR was from 2011 to 2017. During this period, the team won the title twice, qualified for the IPL playoffs five times, and reached the finals of the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2014.
Speaking on his return, 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. I am not only coming back to KKR but I am coming back to the city of joy. I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23. Ami KKR.”
Welcoming Gambhir back to KKR, team’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan said, "Gautam has always been part of the family and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a "Mentor". He was sorely missed and now we all look forward to Chandu Sir and Gautam in instilling the never-say-die spirit and of sportsmanship they stand for, in creating magic with Team KKR."
KKR will be hoping Gambhir can turn their fortunes around after finishing seventh in two seaons (2022 and 2023).