IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir Returns To Kolkata Knight Riders As Mentor Ahead Of Season 17

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Former India cricketer and two-time IPL-winning captain Gautam Gambhir has returned to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2024, announced the franchise on Wednesday (November 22).

Gambhir, who was part of the Lucknow Super Giants support staff for the past two seasons as a mentor, returns to a side with whom he won two titles back in 2012 and 2014 in a similar role.

Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, has announced that Gambhir will return to KKR as "Mentor" and join hands with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who was roped in for the role before IPL 2022.

In his previous stint as player with KKR from 2011-2017, Gambhir oversaw the team win the title twice, qualify for the playoffs five times, and reach the finals of the Champions League T20 in 2014.

Now, as he is set for a sort of homecoming, Gambhir was thrilled to be back in the purple and gold jersey once again as he returns with "lump in throat and fire in heart" to help KKR in the upcoming season.

"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.

"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, co-owner Shah Rukh Khan said the former captain was sorely missed, but his return will bring back never-say-die spirit to the side that has finished outside the playoff spots in the last two seasons.

"Gautam has always been part of the family and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a "Mentor", Shah Rukh Khan was quoted as saying in the release.

"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."

During his stint as a mentor with LSG in IPL 2022 and 2023, Gambhir saw the newcomers finish in the eliminator spots, which is a good achievement for a new side. Now, Gambhir and Co will get to work on the retention and release of players ahead of next month's auction.

Following his move from LSG to KKR, the former Indian cricketer, who has served in the mentor's role since his retirement, took to social media to pen an emotional letter to the Lucknow franchise.

"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," Gambhir wrote on X.

"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."