NEW DELHI, Nov 22: The Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders, an IPL team that won its two titles under Gautam Gambhir’s capable leadership in 2012 and 2014, named Gambhir their “Mentor” on Wednesday. After leading KKR from 2011 to 2017, Gambhir parted ways and has been leading Lucknow Super Giants as their “Mentor” for the past two seasons. Gambhir is the hero of India’s T20 and 50 over World Cup victories. Despite making it to the play-offs in both seasons, Lucknow was unable to advance, which is why the team hired Justin Langer, a former Australian opener and T20 World Cup winner, as coach. After Langer was signed by the Sanjiv Goenka-owned team, Gambhir’s departure was inevitable.Even though Gambhir and LSG both adamantly denied the move for the longest time, there was a lot of buzz about it following a lengthy meeting in the Mumbai home of the Bollywood star, and it eventually became true. The CEO of KKR, Venky Mysore, has announced that Gambhir will work with head coach Chandrakant Pandit.Few things affect me emotionally because I am not an emotional person. However, this isn’t like that. Here we are at the beginning of it all again. In a press release from the team, Gambhir was cited as saying, “As I consider putting on that purple and gold jersey once more, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart.” “I am returning not just to KKR but also to the ‘City of Joy.'” Now I’m back. I’m craving food. Number 23 is me. “Ami KKR,” declared Shah Rukh Khan, the former principal of the India KKR, “this is our ‘Captain’ returning home in a different avatar as a ‘Mentor.’ Gautam has always been a part of the family.”“He was greatly missed, and we are all looking forward to Chandu Sir and Gautam bringing the magic of Team KKR and instilling the never-say-die spirit and sportsmanship they stand for.” anticipated receiving total authority As an elected member of parliament, Gambhir has a tendency to prefer having his own team, having complete control over the proceedings, and being willing to take the fallout. It will be interesting to observe the scope and domain for former Mumbai all-rounder Abhishek Nayar, who had a significant influence in strategic matters pertaining to team selection and combination, with Gambhir’s return to his “spiritual home.”As the principal owner stated in his statement, Gambhir has always been the “Captain” of the ship, and KKR supporters would hope for a turnaround following a few uneven seasons.
