IPL 2024

“Now KKR will bloom again”- Fans react as Gautam Gambhir returns to Kolkata Knight Riders after 7 years

KKR has won two titles in the IPL, both under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.

Nov 22, 2023 1:44 pm

In an exhilarating announcement for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans, former captain Gautam Gambhir has returned to the franchise as a mentor. The two-time IPL champion, who led KKR to victories, took to ‘X’ to share the news, accompanied by a photograph of himself in a KKR jersey, declaring, “I’m back. I’m hungry. I’m No.23. Ami KKR.”

“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,” Gambhir said in a statement.

Gambhir joined the Kolkata-based franchise in 2011 and stayed till 2017 after which he represented the Delhi Daredevils in his final IPL season as a player. Under his guidance, the team won the IPL twice, in 2012 and 2014 and also qualified for the playoffs on three other instances. The side also ended as the runners-up in the 2014 edition of the now-defunct Champions League T20.

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Shah Rukh Khan’s special welcome for Gautam Gambhir

Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of the franchise welcomed ‘their captain’, Gambhir back to the franchise in a different avatar before adding that he was dearly missed. “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 (Chandrakant Pandit) Sir and Gautam in instilling the never-say-die spirit and sportsmanship they stand for, in creating magic with Team KKR,” he said.

Gambhir’s return to KKR also signifies the conclusion of his tenure as a mentor for the Lucknow Supergiants, where he served in 2022 and 2023. Under his guidance, LSG consistently reached the playoffs but was unable to secure the coveted title.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have faced challenges in recent seasons, failed to reach the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. will hope that the return of Gambhir marks the beginning of a resurgence. Gambhir’s leadership and cricketing acumen are widely respected, and his presence is expected to bring renewed energy and strategic direction to the KKR camp. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the team, particularly the younger players, as they strive towards regaining their former glory.

https://twitter.com/iWorshipSRK/status/1727209103074971778

welcome back captain ohh my captain 💜💜 pic.twitter.com/XpmbxCWFIS

— Cheemrag (@itxcheemrag) November 22, 2023

KKR vs RCB rivalry onto the next level from next season 💀

— Pr𝕏tham (@Prxtham_18) November 22, 2023

You and KKR share the most beautiful bond. When you took over KKR’s captaincy, it was at the bottom end of the points table.

But, with outstanding cricketing skills, visionary leadership and astute decision making, you turned KKR into a champion side and won two titles.

This…

— Madhav Sharma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@HashTagCricket) November 22, 2023

This is the best bit of news after the heartbreak on Sunday. Our 3rd trophy is coming after the previous 2 also came under you. Can't wait to see you back in the home dugout of Eden Gardens.

— Prantik (@Pran__07) November 22, 2023

Now KKR will bloom again..
In my opinion, Gautam Gambhir is the most passionate cricketer even a human being.. gives his best in everything..

— Akshit Agarwal (@AkshitAgarwal13) November 22, 2023

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