Gautam Gambhir returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as mentor for IPL 17.
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Gautam Gambhir returned to the city to take on a new role with the team in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024), starting on March 22.
KKR clinched the IPL title in 2012 and 2014 under Gambhir’s captaincy, establishing a strong legacy. Now, he is back with KKR after a hiatus of seven years as a mentor, and he is fully aware of the expectations from fans for the upcoming season.
His association with the KKR began in 2011 and lasted until 2017; during this time period, the franchise showed consistent performance by qualifying for the IPL playoffs five times. They also reached the final of the Champions League T20 in 2014 under Gambhir's leadership.
Gautam Gambhir said amidst a roaring reception: “I have always mentioned that KKR to me is not a franchise, but an emotion. I am thus happy to be back. I know there will be expectations and I hope to live up to it and make the fans happy.”
Gambhir also reckoned that the Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will be KKR’s X-factor in the upcoming IPL 17. KKR brought Starc for a whopping sum of Rs 24.75 crore in the auction, making him the most expensive buy in IPL history last year.
The KKR mentor signed off by saying, “I don’t think the price tag will be an added pressure for him. I only hope he can do for KKR what he does for Australia in international cricket.”
Notably, KKR will have their first practice session at the Eden Gardens on Friday, March 15, with players starting to arrive in Kolkata for the tournament. KKR will open their IPL 2024 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 23.
(With TOI Inputs)