Home / Cricket / IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir makes a return to Kolkata..

IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir makes a return to Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor

Shah Rukh Khan welcomed Gambhir back to KKR, stating, "Gautam has always been part of the family, and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a 'Mentor.'

By Omar | Nov 22, 2023 | 2 Min Read

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has officially ended his association with the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, marking a return to the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team he previously led to two championship victories. The announcement of this decision was made by KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore, who appointed Gambhir as a mentor for the team. Expressing his warm welcome, Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of Knight Riders, hailed Gambhir’s return as the ‘comeback of their captain.’ Gambhir, in turn, shared his emotions as the transition from LSG to KKR was finalized.

Having served as Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor for two years, Gambhir played a significant role in their journey to the IPL 2022 final. Despite finishing third in the league standings during the 2023 campaign, Lucknow Super Giants fell short of securing a spot in the final for the second consecutive year. In a heartfelt departure message shared on Twitter, Gautam Gambhir expressed, “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.”

Reflecting on his return, Gambhir remarked, “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. I am not only coming back to KKR, but I am coming back to the city of joy. I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23. Ami KKR.”

Shah Rukh Khan welcomed Gambhir back to KKR, stating, “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 instilling the never-say-die spirit and sportsmanship they stand for, creating magic with Team KKR.”