Homecoming for cricketing legend Gautam Gambhir, the former captain has bid farewell to his role with the Lucknow Super Giants to rejoin the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), this time in a mentoring capacity.
Gambhir’s association with the Kolkata-based team spanned from 2011 to 2017, a period widely regarded as the zenith of KKR’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During his captaincy, the team clinched the coveted IPL title twice and reached the playoffs a remarkable five times. The crowning achievement came in 2014 when KKR made it to the finals of the Champions League T20.
Having donned the KKR jersey 122 times, Gambhir holds the distinction of being the joint second-highest appearance maker alongside Yusuf Pathan. Beyond mere appearances, Gambhir etched his name in the franchise’s history by becoming the sole batter to amass over 3000 runs for KKR. His impressive tally of 3345 runs, with an average of 31 and a strike rate of 124, underscores his invaluable contribution to the team’s success.
Gambhir’s legacy extends beyond his batting prowess, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the core of the Kolkata-based franchise. Under his astute leadership, KKR made strategic acquisitions, including the recruitment of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. At the time of their induction, both Narine and Russell were relatively unknown West Indies cricketers, but under Gambhir’s guidance, they blossomed into two of the franchise’s most successful overseas recruits.
Welcoming Gambhir back to KKR, Mr. 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… pic.twitter.com/UCYXTtaCdy
— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) November 22, 2023
On the return of Gambhir to KKR 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”.
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.“