The World Cup has concluded, marking the beginning of developments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a major move, Gautam Gambhir resigned from his position as the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and made a return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday, November 22.
This homecoming held emotional significance for Gambhir, who played a pivotal role in steering KKR to two IPL titles following a challenging start to their IPL journey.
Expressing his sentiments, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, Shah Rukh Khan, conveyed in a heartfelt message that the two-time champions felt the absence of Gautam Gambhir and are thrilled to welcome him back in a new role as the mentor of the team.
"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," stated Shah Rukh Khan.
The transfer generated a palpable buzz, with Gautam Gambhir sharing a photo of himself donning the Kolkata Knight Riders jersey. The jersey number '23' has been reassigned to him for what promises to be an exhilarating season.
Gambhir will work closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, having helped LSG to the IPL playoffs in their two seasons in the competition till now. As a KKR player, he played from 2011 to 2017.
Gambhir served as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last two seasons of the IPL since the team joined the revamped T20 franchise league. His return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) brings him back to a familiar environment, having led KKR to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014 as the team's captain.
Expressing his sentiments about returning to familiar surroundings, Gambhir stated, “I am not typically emotional, and not many things stir me. But this is different. This is a return to where it all began. Today, there's a lump in my throat and a fire in my heart as I think about putting on that purple and gold jersey once again. I am not only rejoining KKR, but I am also returning to the city of joy. I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23.”
In his new role, Gambhir will collaborate closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, building on his experience that contributed to LSG's qualification for the IPL playoffs in the past two seasons. As a KKR player, Gambhir was part of the team from 2011 to 2017.
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