'Coming Back To The City Of Joy': Gautam Gambhir To Be KKR Mentor For IPL 2024

Earlier, Gambhir was associated with Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011-17, and during this period, the Kolkata-based team won the title twice.

Gautam Gambhir will join KKR as their mentor. ( Image Source :Getty )

After resigning from his role as mentor of Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir is back home and joined Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Gambhir, who guided KKR to 2 IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, will be working with them as their mentor and supervising the players closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit.

Gambhir came up with a heartwarming note after resigning from his post as Lucknow Super Giants' mentor. Ever since LSG started playing in the cash-rich league, Gambhir was there with the KL Rahul-led side in 2022.

"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 said.

After making a comeback with the Kolkata-based franchise, Gambhir said, “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. 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.”

Welcome home, mentor @GautamGambhir! 🤗

Full story: https://t.co/K9wduztfHg#AmiKKR pic.twitter.com/inOX9HFtTT

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 22, 2023

Earlier, Gambhir was associated with Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011-17, and during this period, the Kolkata-based team won the title twice, made it for the playoffs five times, and reached the finals of the Champions League T20 in 2014. Gambhir also represented Delhi Capitals after shifting his base from KKR before joining LSG as the mentor.

While writing a welcoming note, KKR's co-owner Shah Rukh Khan said, "Gautam has always been part of the family and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a "Mentor". 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."