In a move that has surprised the Indian cricketing world, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has formally announced his departure from the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to resume his association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the team with which he clinched two IPL titles during his tenure as captain.
Gambhir’s return to KKR was publicly shared by the team’s CEO, Venky Mysore, on Wednesday, designating the cricketing stalwart in the capacity of a mentor. The Knight Riders’ charismatic co-owner, legendary actor Shah Rukh Khan, also gave a hearty welcome to Gambhir, referring to him as the ‘return of their captain,’ a nod to his indispensable role in the team’s historic victories.
A wave of emotion accompanied the announcement for Gambhir, as he expressed his feelings on social media, stating, “I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is different. This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again.” He reassured KKR fans of his commitment, emphatically adding, “I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23. Ami KKR.”
The transition marks the end of Gambhir’s two-year role as LSG’s mentor, a period during which he played a crucial role in guiding the team to the final in the IPL 2022 edition. However, despite finishing third in the league stage of the 2023 campaign, LSG failed to reach the final for a second consecutive year.
Gautam Gambhir took to Twitter for his sentimental exit from LSG, asserting his thankfulness to the players, coaches, support staff, and every person involved with the Lucknow franchise, making his journey memorable. He also paid special tribute to team owner Dr. Sanjiv Goenka for his support and visionary leadership. Fans were treated to heartfelt messages as Gambhir posted, “All the very best LSG brigade!”
Gambhir’s return to KKR was also warmly received by Bollywood superstar and the team’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who echoed the sentiments of many by saying, “Gautam has always been part of the family, and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a ‘Mentor’.” He confirmed the franchise’s and fans’ enthusiasm alike in looking forward to the dynamic duo of Chandrakant Pandit, affectionately known as Chandu Sir, and Gambhir stirring the spirit of sportsmanship and instilling a never-say-die approach in Team KKR to weave new magic into the coming seasons.
The KKR family and their supporters are buzzing with anticipation for what this renewed partnership will bring to the fore, particularly after the towering presence Gambhir has displayed throughout his cricketing career. Throughout his captaincy, Gambhir was renowned for his robust leadership and strategic thinking that propelled KKR to its IPL glory.
As cricket fans await the forthcoming World Cup 2023, the addition of Gambhir in a mentorship role at KKR is set to add an extra layer of excitement and depth to the franchise’s campaign. With continual updates on the World Cup 2023, aficionados of the sport are keen to witness how Gambhir’s influence will affect KKR’s performance in the seasons to come.
Kolkata Knight Riders, now with Gambhir’s veteran experience and insight, are looking to reclaim the zenith of IPL success. The cricket community is abuzz not just with this significant reshuffle but also with curiosity to see how the narrative for both the Super Giants and Knight Riders unfolds in the future, with this latest chapter adding a dramatic twist to the ever-unpredictable IPL saga.