Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain and current mentor, Gautam Gambhir, has issued a stern warning to the team ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, emphasizing the seriousness of the tournament and the need for players to focus on cricket rather than distractions like Bollywood and after-parties.
Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles during his playing days, highlighted the tough and competitive nature of the league, considering it the closest to international cricket. He stressed the importance of delivering on the cricket field to be recognized as a successful franchise.
In a recent interaction on Star Sports, Gautam Gambhir stated, “I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me is serious cricket. It’s not about Bollywood, it’s not about you, it’s not about after-parties and stuff. It’s about going out there and playing competitive cricket, and that’s the reason why I feel it is the toughest league in the world because it is proper cricket.”
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Gautam Gambhir expressed the belief that KKR has one of the most loyal and honest fanbases, but the team needs to focus on on-field performances. He urged the players to be aware of the responsibility and reputation associated with playing for a high-profile team like KKR.
Gautam Gambhir “I have made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me is serious Cricket. It’s not about Bollywood, it’s not about glamour, it’s the toughest league in the world – KKR fans are passionate so we need to be honest & bring smile to their face”. [Star Sports] pic.twitter.com/dzmSD4a3lG
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 3, 2024
While acknowledging KKR as the “most high-profile team” in the IPL, Gautam Gambhir emphasized that the team should not be known for off-field activities but rather for its on-field success. In the previous two seasons, KKR fell short of expectations, finishing seventh in the league standings on both occasions.
Gautam Gambhir stressed that KKR should be known for on-field performances rather than off-field activities, stating, “I’ve always been a believer that ultimately it’s not about glamour. It’s about what we do on the cricket field that is all that matters.”
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Gambhir, who returned to KKR as a mentor after spending two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants, was part of the team’s strategy during the 2024 IPL auction. KKR made headlines by signing Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a record-breaking deal of Rs 24.75 crore. The former captain aims to replicate the success he achieved with KKR in 2012 and 2014, urging the current team to take the competition seriously and make a strong statement in the upcoming edition.
