Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ended their decade-long title drought by winning the IPL trophy in the 2024 edition, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
Gautam Gambhir, who returned as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team’s mentor before the 2024 IPL season, played a major role in shaping KKR’s success.
Before last year’s win, the last time Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lifted the trophy in 2014, Gambhir was leading the side as captain. However, his second innings with the franchise was short-lived, as he stepped down after the season to take on the role of India’s head coach.
Never thought Gautam Gambhir left us, says SRK
Meanwhile, KKR’s co-owner Shah Rukh Khan recently shared his thoughts on Gambhir’s invaluable contributions to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“I never thought Gautam Gambhir left us. There has always been a lovely relationship with Gautam over the years. There are a few players with whom friendships remain strong, and Gautam Gambhir is one of them. For him, it was a big homecoming,” Shah Rukh said on JioHotstar’s ‘Power Play’.
Gambhir’s impact on KKR is undeniable, having led the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain. His return as a mentor saw KKR reclaim glory in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.
Gambhir’s departure from KKR in 2017 left a void: Former Kolkata batter Robin Uthappa
“When Gautam was no longer with KKR, it felt like—where are the pieces going to settle? Since his exit, there was a slight loss of direction. I think, at one point, panic set in. From the outside, you could sense that things weren’t as smooth as they seemed. You always expect KKR to perform at a high level, and when the performances didn’t match the team’s aura, it became evident that something had to change.
“As soon as I heard that Gautam Gambhir was coming back, I remember tweeting that the best thing to happen to KKR since Gautam Gambhir leaving, was Gautam Gambhir coming back!, ” former KKR batter Robin Uthappa said.
Ajinkya Rahane named KKR captain for IPL 2025
With IPL 2025 approaching, KKR has undergone a leadership change. The franchise released Shreyas Iyer ahead of the mega auction, appointing Ajinkya Rahane as the new captain. Venkatesh Iyer has been named vice-captain. Defending champions KKR will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on March 22, facing Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.
