Gautam Gambhir has issued a stern message to all Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players, emphasizing that they should treat the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the same level of seriousness as their international and domestic first-class commitments.
As KKR’s former captain, who led the team to two IPL titles, Gambhir has returned to the franchise after seven years, this time as their new mentor. He has made it clear that he expects the players to approach the 17th edition of the IPL, commencing on March 22, with utmost dedication.
Asserting his principles and expectations, Gambhir, now an influential figure in the KKR support staff, has outlined the significance of the T20 league and how he wants the players to perceive it. KKR is set to kick off their campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23.
“I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL, for me, is serious cricket. It’s not about Bollywood, it’s not about individual interests, it’s not about after-parties and such. It’s about stepping onto the field and engaging in competitive cricket. That’s why I believe it’s the toughest league globally because it epitomizes proper cricket,” Gambhir expressed in an interview with Star Sports.
He further emphasized, “It probably resembles international cricket more closely than any other league, and if you aim to establish yourselves as a successful franchise, you must deliver on the cricket field.”
KKR witnessed a transformation in fortunes under Gambhir’s leadership, evolving from underachievers to becoming the third most successful IPL franchise after Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Now, with Gambhir’s return, the franchise hopes to reignite their on-field success, having reached the playoffs only once since 2018.
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