NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir's leadership played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders' rise to prominence, as the franchise secured two IPL titles under the former India opener's captaincy, who is back in the KKR set-up in his new role as a mentor.
Known for his ability to revitalise struggling teams, Gambhir's tenure with KKR began during the fourth season of the IPL in 2011.
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Watch IPL Live online Taking charge after the team's lackluster performances in the initial editions of the league, Gambhir guided them to the knockout stages in his first year as captain. Subsequently, between 2012 and 2014, KKR clinched two IPL titles under his leadership.
Following KKR's recent setbacks with seventh-place finishes in the past two seasons, Gambhir's return is anticipated to infuse renewed vigor and discipline into the squad.
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Ahead of IPL 2024, Gambhir spoke to the media and picked the former KKR star Ryan Ten Doeschate as the ‘greatest team man' he has ever come across.
“When I talk about selflessness, I have never said this in 42 years of my career, and I wanted to say this. The greatest team man I have ever played with, the most selfless human being, someone I can take a bullet for, someone who I can trust for life, and I can tell you this because in 2011, for my first game as a KKR captain, we only had four overseas players available, and this man had a fabulous 50-over World Cup. We went in that game with only three overseas players, and he was carrying drinks in that game with no disappointment on his face. He taught me selflessness. Ryan ten Doeschate. These are the people who made me the leader," Gambhir revealed.
During the event, Gambhir also said: "I did not make Kolkata Knight Riders successful, it was KKR that made me a successful leader."
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