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Gautam Gambhir Quits LSG; Joins Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead Of IPL 2024 Auctions

image-lp9d9ioaGambhir led KKR to two titles (x.com)

In a major development, former Indian captain, Gautam Gambhir, has returned back to his beloved Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after a long exile of six long years. Gambhir, who led the IPL side to two titles, has left his position with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to become the mentor of the two-time champions.

The announcement came roughly a month before the next year's Indian Premier League (IPL)'s auction, which is reported to be taken place in the third week of December. The former Indian captain will be part of the Shreyas Iyer-led side, which is being coached by Chandrakant Pandit, Abhishek Nayar and Bharat Arun.

The Knight Riders franchise announced the development via their social media, saying "Welcome Home, mentor". 


While commenting on the new innings of his life, the former IPL-winning captain thanked his former franchise, LSG - their owners, players and coaches. Meanwhile, he also penned an emotional message for 'homecoming'.

"I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is different. This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again. I am not only coming back to KKR but I am coming back to the city of joy. I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23. Ami KKR," Gambhir said as released in a statement by KKR.


KKR's co-owner and Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, also welcomed back the legendary southpaw, quoting - "Gautam (Gambhir) has always been part of the family and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a "Mentor". He was sorely missed and now we all look forward to Chandu Sir and Gautam in instilling the never-say-die spirit and of sportsmanship they stand for, in creating magic with Team KKR."


Ahead of the IPL 2017, Gambhir - the batter - left Kolkata to play two seasons for Delhi Capitals before joining LSG as a mentor for IPL 2022 and 2023 - in which the franchise finished in playoffs. 

As a batter and a leader, the 42-year-old was known for his grit and never-say-die spirit. As a result, he finished his IPL career with 4218 runs alongside countless laurels Team India during his 13-year-long international career.