IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir returns to Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir returned to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the franchise named him the team's mentor ahead of the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai. In the previous two seasons of the Indian Premier League, Gambhir was the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants. 

It is an emotional return for the former Delhi cricketer, given he led KKR to two IPL titles during 2011-2017. During his tenure at Knight Riders, Kolkata qualified for the playoffs five times and even reached the finals of the Champions League T20 in 2014. 

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Speaking on his return, Gambhir said - “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. 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.”

Welcoming Gambhir back to KKR, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan said - "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 in instilling the never-say-die spirit and of sportsmanship they stand for, in creating magic with Team KKR."

Gambhir on leaving Lucknow Super Giants

Gambhir served as LSG's mentor for two years during which the franchise finished third in both seasons.

After making their place in the playoff, they got eliminated by Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in the 2022 and 2023 seasons respectively.

After KKR announced Gambhir as their mentor on Wednesday ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 season, the former batter took to X to thank everyone who made his journey memorable.

"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 to 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 wrote on X.