After leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to two championship victories with distinction, Gautam Gambhir has rejoined the team as a mentor, joining head coach Chandrakant Pandit as a member of the support staff.
Between 2011 and 2017, Gambhir was one of KKR’s most successful acquisitions as a player. The Knight Riders won two IPL titles (in 2012 and 2014), consistently made the playoffs, and even advanced to the Champions League final in 2014.
About his comeback to the team, Gambhir remarked, “I am not an emotional person and not many things move me, but this is different.” “We’re back to the beginning here. I can’t get the lump in my throat or the fire in my heart that comes from thinking about putting that purple and gold jersey on again. Not only am I returning to KKR, but I’m returning to the joyful city. I’m back. I’m craving food. Number 23 is me. Ami KKR.
“Gautam has always been part of the family and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a mentor,” said Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the KKR franchise. We all look forward to Chandu Sir and Gautam imparting the never-say-die spirit and sportsmanship they stand for, as well as doing magic with Team KKR. He was greatly missed.”