Gautam Gambhir couldn’t contain his excitement when Andre Russell, the powerhouse all-rounder of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), dismissed Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) Nicholas Pooran during the 12th over of the match. In the recent encounter at the Ekana Stadium, KKR faced off against Gambhir’s former franchise, LSG, marking the second time these teams clashed this season.
In both instances, KKR emerged victorious, securing a dominant win that propelled them to the top of the points table, replacing Rajasthan Royals. Known for his intense and focused demeanour on the field, Gautam Gambhir rarely cracks a smile during matches, preferring to maintain an aggressive stance from the dugout.
This trait has persisted from his tenure as LSG’s mentor to his current role in IPL 2024. During the match, Gautam Gambhir, seated alongside head coach Chandrakant Pandit, displayed animated enthusiasm. When Russell claimed Pooran’s wicket, Gambhir erupted with applause, his “Yes” echoing across the stadium.
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Having worked closely with Pooran during their time together at LSG, Gambhir understood the threat he posed. Immediately after the dismissal, Gambhir relayed tactical instructions to KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer through the 12th man, guiding the team on the field.
Gambhir Reaction On Pooran Wicket And Straight Away Sending Tips To Captain 🔥🔥👏👏👌👌 pic.twitter.com/I53aEOH0ZR
— Aayush Sharma (@Ayushaaa1818) May 5, 2024
In subsequent frames, Gautam Gambhir could be seen imparting wisdom to Iyer and other KKR players, rallying them on amidst the action. Pooran’s dismissal marked a turning point, as LSG, at 101 for 5, collapsed to 137 all out within the next four overs. This incident underscores Gautam Gambhir’s profound influence on the Knight Riders. His bond with the franchise transcends seasons, indicative of a lasting legacy regardless of IPL victories.
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Despite minimal changes in their roster over the past seasons, KKR’s performance varied, culminating in seventh-place finishes in 2022 and 2023. However, this season, with Gambhir’s guidance, KKR appears poised to dominate, currently leading the league standings.
Next up, KKR prepares to face Mumbai Indians, ranked 10th, in a rematch at Eden Gardens. With momentum on their side, KKR aims to extend their winning streak, backed by Gambhir’s strategic acumen and unwavering support.
