IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir Says 'I Didn't Make KKR Successful, it was Kolkata Knight Riders That Made Me a Successful Leader'

Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir credited the franchise KKR as what made him renowned as a leader, having led the side to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles in 2012 and 2014.

Gambhir’s previous association with KKR was from 2011-17 and even helped them qualify for the playoffs five times and reach the finals of the Champions League T20 in 2014.

Speaking at the KKR Knight Club even in the ‘City of Joy’ on Monday, Gambhir said: “I didn’t make KKR successful, it was KKR that made me a successful leader.”

“I can assure you that whenever I leave this place (KKR), we will be in a much better position,” Gambhir said at the promotional event.

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The dashing former left-handed opener paid his gratitude to KKR and its owner Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and his team for their immense support over the years.

“I have been honoured to lead Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Ryan ten Doeschate at KKR,” he added.

Someone, who wears heart on his sleeve, Gambhir could be a real short fuse and it will be interesting to see what kind of working relationship he forges with another volatile but very successful domestic coach Chandrakant Pandit.

“I’m a very tough guy to handle. I have to thank SRK (Shah Rukh) and (Venky) Mysore (Managing Director of KKR) for putting up with my tantrums all these years.”

“He (SRK) told me the same thing that he had told me when I joined as a player. ‘This is your franchise, make it or break it.'”.

Gautam Gambhir also had special praise for his former teammate Sunil Narine, saying: “Sunil Narine has sacrificed a lot for KKR.”

“From being reported, to being banned from playing the Champions League final, remodelling his action, coming back and doing the same stuff year after year. He had to go through a lot,” Gambhir added.

When asked about his message to the fans ahead of the 2024 IPl season, Gambhir said: “Keep supporting us. You have all the right to be angry with us and disappointed with us. But I can assure you we will give everything to make you smile. You can be proud of us. We will make sure KKR and Kolkata are smiling at the end.”

(With inputs from Agencies)