Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor after parting ways with Lucknow Super Giants. It will be a homecoming for Gambhir in the KKR set as he earlier led the team to glory in the 2012 and 2014 IPL seasons.
Later, Gambhir moved to Delhi Capitals (earlier Delhi Daredevils) but the ploy didn’t work out. Gambhir then served as LSG mentor and played a key role in taking the team to the playoffs along with former coach Andy Flower. LSG will now be coached by former Australian head coach Justin Langer whereas Gambhir will team up with head coach Chandrakant Pandit at KKR.
“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 in a parting statement.
“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!”
“Gautam Gambhir will return to KKR as “Mentor” and join hands with head coach Chandrakant Pandit,” KKR said in a release.
Gambhir is not known to mince words and his addition will certainly give a boost to KKR ahead of the next season. The former left-handed opener scored 4218 runs in 152 IPL matches at an average of 31.01 and a strike rate of 123.91, including 36 fifties.
Gambhir will look to make the most of his experience and get the best out of the KKR players. IPL mini-auction will take place in Dubai on 19th December.
