Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Gautam Gambhir has joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a mentor. It will be interesting to see if he can produce similar results for the franchise as a mentor as he did in the capacity of a captain.

Notably, Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. He was associated with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a mentor in the last couple of seasons.

With less than a week remaining for the IPL 2024, Gambhir set things straight in his first address to the KKR players.

Gambhir mentioned "on 26th May, we should be there", referring to the final of this edition's IPL.

"On 26th May, we should be there, giving everything possible; and it starts from today...So if we walk the same path and if we fight, I am sure we are going to achieve a lot of success," Gambhir said in the video posted by KKR on social media.

The KKR mentor highlighted the importance of training hard while also making it clear that each player will be treated equally.

"We start the season from today, whether it's physically, mentally, skill-wise -- give everything possible. It's a very, very proud franchise. You guys are representing a very successful franchise. Make sure you train that way, play that way and you carry that attitude on the field," Gambhir stated.

"One thing I absolutely believe in is giving all the freedom to the players. That is something very, very important. People who have played with me know one thing about me that everone in this group will be treated equally. There is no senior or junior, there is no domestic or international because we have got one mission, and that is to win this IPL. So everyone needs to follow that one simple path,” he added.

The 42-year-old further said that every player is free to approach anyone among the support staff to ask questions.

"You have the freedom, enjoy yourselves. You can ask questions, (behind) closed doors or in front of everyone. And I can assure you, from the support staff point of view, that we are going to be absolutely honest to everyone of you," he remarked.

The IPL 2024 season is all set to get underway on March 22. Since the Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place this year, the BCCI has announced the fixtures of 21 matches so far.

The Indian board will unveil the remaining schedule after the Election Commission of India announces the polling dates.

Kolkata Knight Riders will open their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on Sunday (March 23).