Kolkata Knight Riders Owner Shah Rukh Khan has admitted that he never felt that Gautam Gambhir did not participate with the franchise. Shah Rukh said that even during the phase in which Gambhir was not involved in any capacity with KKR, he always felt that the latter was still a part of the team.
Gambhir, under which KKR won two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, returned as the head coach of the team before the 2024 edition, which KKR won under the captaincy of Shairus Iyer.
“I never thought that Gautam Gambhir left us. There has always been a lovely relationship with Gautam over the years. There are some players with whom friendship is strong, and Gautam Gambhir is one of them. For that, it was a big homecoming, ”Shah Rukh said on Gehotstar.
However, Gambhir’s reunion with the team was short -lived as he ended Ropul Dravid’s coaching tenure as India’s head coach after the conclusion of 2024 IPL by BCCI.
Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa expressed his views what the presence of Gambhir for KKR meant and how the team struggled in his absence.
“When Gautam was no longer with KKR, it seemed that the pieces were about to settle? Since his exit, there was a slight loss of direction. I think, at a point, set in nervousness. From outside, you can understand that things were not as smooth as they looked. You always expect KKR to perform at a higher level, and when the performance does not match the aura of the team, it became clear that something had to change. As soon as I heard Gautam Gambhir was coming back, I remember the best thing with KKR since Gautam Gambhir left is Gautam Gambhir was coming back! ,
Former India opener Akash Chopra also appreciated Gambhir for his team-building strategy, who played an important role claiming his third title in KKR.
“When Gautam Gambhir Returned as a patron, and then formed the team, I felt that four columns formed the team’s foundation. The first Mitchell Starc had unbreakable faith. Second, the decision to promote Sunil Narine as a opener. The third major element was reconnaissance with Shreyas Iyer. And the final, but equally important, was investing in young talent. ,
Meanwhile, KKR allowed his title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer to be replaced with Ajinkya Rahane, who is ready for his second term with the franchise after 2022. Rahane, which was unusable in the main round in the mega auction in November last year, KKR stopped 1.5 crores based on its base price. Madhya Pradesh all -rounder Venkatesh Iyer will be his deputy.
Defending champion KKR Royal Challengers will kickstart his 2025 campaign against Bangalore in a season opener against Bangalore At the Eden Gardens on 22 March.
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