Kolkata Knight Riders mentor, Gautam Gambhir seems to be enjoying his new stint. Gautam Gambhir was announced as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2024. Gautam Gambhir expressed his joy over returning to his 2nd home, Kolkata, as he will mentor the KKR team during IPL 2024. Gautam Gambhir had led KKR to 2 title wins in IPL 2012 and 2014. Gautam Gambhir’s mentorship is playing a key role in seeing his team KKR in the Top 2 halfway mark this season .
Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has ‘serious’ advice for his players ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Gautam Gambhir, who led KKR to two titles during his tenure as captain, said that IPL is not about Bollywood or other glamour attached to it but an opportunity for players to express themselves in the toughest league in the world.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) welcomes Gautam Gambhir
KKR, who won their last IPL title way back in 2014, signed Gautam Gambhir as their mentor as the veteran Indian opener left Lucknow Super Giants after spending two years with them for a homecoming in Kolkata. He was present with other members of KKR at the IPL 2024 players’ auction where the franchise splurged a record-breaking INR 24.75 crore to sign Mitchell Starc.
KKR are only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to win multiple IPL titles. However, things have not worked out well for them in the last couple of seasons where they finished seventh spot and failed to reach the playoffs and Gautam Gambhir would look to set things right from the offset.
When Gambhir landed in the city of joy, Kolkata, he received a warm welcome and called the place his second home. He was also thankful to the fans who gave him a rousing welcome at the airport and also called the KKR team an emotion. He had a successful stint with KKR as captain from 2011, where he led the team to 2 title wins in 2012 and 2014.
After his retirement from cricket, Gambhir took over the role of Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He had a successful stint with coach Andy Flower by providing his useful insights as the team qualified for the play-offs in both the seasons. Gambhir will look to translate his success as a mentor and as well as an ex-captain for KKR. The mentor had already started the practice session of the team on an inspiring note with a motivational speech.
Kolkata Knight Riders under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir has tasted success in the first half of IPL 2024 with 5 wins from 7 matches and currently with 10 points are at the second position ready to qualify for the next stage . Former KKR bowling coach and Pakistani great Wasim Akram has heaped huge praise on the role Gautam Gambhir has played in the success of KKR this season.
KKR is looking good- Wasim Akram
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach Wasim Akram has commented that he still supports KKR in the IPL. Akram disclosed that he does not change his favorite team like a chameleon and has always supported KKR, the franchise whom he even worked for in the league.
Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram appeared as a guest on Sportskeeda’s Match Ki Baat show and shared his views on IPL 2024. When asked about the teams that he expects to finish in the top four, Akram said that the teams that peak at the right time would secure the playoffs berths.
Further giving his views on the same topic, Wasim Akram analyzed Kolkata Knight Riders’ chances and said:
“KKR is looking good. I support KKR because, of course, I’ve worked for them. It’s my team, so I support them. I don’t change my teams like a chameleon,”
KKR could not qualify for the playoffs in the previous two IPL seasons. However, this season, the Knight Riders have started well and currently hold the second position in the points table with 10 points from seven matches.
The arrival of Gautam Gambhir has made a huge difference – Wasim Akram comments on KKR’s improvement
One major change that happened in KKR’s backroom staff this year was the return of Gautam Gambhir as mentor. Wasim Akram spoke about the difference that Gambhir’s presence has made at KKR and said:
“Absolutely, I think, the arrival of Gautam Gambhir has made a huge difference in the KKR team. See ever since Gautam left the franchise, KKR reached the final just once, and they lost that one as well. The performance hasn’t been that good,”
“Look what Gautam has done with Sunil Narine. He backed him and said you will open the batting even if you fail or score, and see the performances that he has given,”
KKR defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru by one run in their last IPL 2024 match on Sunday. They will play their next match against the Punjab Kings on Friday.