‘Fir se ache din aane wale hein’ – Fans react as reports of Gautam Gambhir joining KKR as mentor surfaces

Former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir might return to Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor for the IPL 2024. He played for the team from 2011 to 2017. 12 years back, Gambhir was the most expensive player of the tournament as the two-time winners were looking to rebuild and needed a captain with leadership skills. Between these six years, the team became consistent as they reached playoffs in four seasons.

After the left-hander left in 2018, the team reached playoffs only twice since then (2018 and 2021). The fans have always missed Gambhir over the years whenever the team does poorly. Meanwhile, as reported by Dainik Jagran, the two-time World Cup winner might return to the team as a mentor. He retired from the game in late 2018, having played only a few games in IPL 2018.

Last year, the Delhi player joined the Lucknow Super Giants as they were making a debut in the league. Not to forget, the Sanjiv Goenka group made their comeback in the league after their brief stint in 2016 and 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiant. Meanwhile, the LSG made it to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 under Gambhir and head coach, Andy Flower.

However, it was recently reported by Cricbuzz that Justin Langer might replace Flower. Even though both Lucknow and Langer have denied this, it is reported that the franchise might in a different direction. The former Australia opening batter has coached his national side to retain Ashes in England in 2019 for the first time since 2001. Apart from this, the team won their elusive T20 World Cup 2022.

Last year, he left the job as he was offered a six-month extension which he denied. This became a massive controversy down under. Apart from this, Perth Scorchers won three BBL titles under him.

Gautam Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL wins

Talking about Gambhir’s stint with the team, the team lifted its maiden title in 2012, followed by its second two years later. Since then, they have played the finals only once in 2021.

This is how Twitter reacted

https://twitter.com/firefire0045/status/1678973334099464192?s=20