PremiumIPL 2024: After brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants, Gautam Gambhir returns to Kolkata Knight Riders
Gautam Gambhir, who previously captained KRR to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014, has now joined the franchise in the role of mentor.
Last Updated: 12.53 PM, Nov 22, 2023
Gautam Gambhir concluded his two-year association with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and declared his association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The former Indian batter, who previously captained KRR to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014, has now joined the franchise in the role of mentor, commencing from the forthcoming season.
"I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is different," Gambhir said in a statement. "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."
During the 2023 season, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured the third position in the league standings but faced disappointment as they were unable to qualify for the final for the second consecutive time.
He conveyed his departure from Lucknow through a heartfelt post and bid adieu to the Super Giants emotionally.
He wrote on Twitter, "As I announce the end of my impeccable journey with Lucknow Super Giants, I am filled with love and immense gratitude towards all the players, coaches, support staff and every individual who has made this journey memorable. I would like to thank Dr Sanjiv Goenka for his inspiring leadership while creating this remarkable franchise and for his tremendous support for all my endeavours. I'm sure that the team will do wonders in the future and will make every LSG fan proud. All the very best LSG brigade!"
Gambhir, a T20 World Cup champion in 2007 and an ODI World Cup champion in 2011, became part of the Knight Riders in 2011 and remained with the team until 2017.
During this tenure, Knight Riders qualified for the IPL playoffs five times, including the two years they secured victory in the tournament. Additionally, they reached the final of the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2014.