Gautam Gambhir received a hero’s welcome at the airport as he arrived in Kolkata to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Next season will mark his return to the franchise after seven years. Gautam Gambhir was not associated with the franchise since he parted ways as a player after the 2017 season. The former India captain enjoyed an impressive spell as a player for the Kolkata-based team.
After representing Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for the first three seasons of the IPL, he was bought by KKR in 2011 for a whopping $2.4 million. He immediately got the captaincy of the team and Gautam Gambhir justified the faith shown in him by the franchise. In no time, he transformed KKR into an underdog powerhouse.
In his first season, he led KKR to their first playoffs before guiding them to their first title in 2012. In 2014, KKR won the IPL again and became the second team after Chennai Super Kings to win the tournament more than once. time. Gautam Gambhir continued to lead the team until 2017 before deciding to part ways.
Gautam Gambhir returns:
Seven years after parting ways with KKR, Gautam Gambhir returned to Kolkata as the team’s mentor for IPL 2024 and received a warm welcome. Dozens of fans and media personnel lined up to welcome KKR’s most decorated captain at the airport. Fans chanted “we love GG” as the former India opener left the airport.
Look:
The craze for Gautam Gambhir in Calcutta.
– GG is back with KKR after 7 long years!pic.twitter.com/qLwR7ypntS
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 14, 2024
Gautam Gambhir plied his trade as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants in the last two editions of the IPL before deciding to leave them for KKR. In both seasons, the Lucknow team made it to the playoffs, but failed to qualify for the finals. KKR will hope that Gambhir turns his fortunes around once again, just like he did as a player more than a decade ago.
KKR have not won the IPL since Gambhir led them to their second title in 2014. Meanwhile, IPL 2024 is scheduled to begin on March 22, while KKR will open their campaign on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.