'Back Where He Belongs' -  Shahrukh Khan Welcomes Gambhir Back to KKR

Kashish Chadha

image-lpnwrcuaGambhir won two IPL titles for KKR (Twitter)

Global star icon Shahrukh Khan welcomed the return of Gautam Gambhir to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) set-up with open arms ahead of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The KKR co-owner said the former skipper is "back where he belongs" as Gambhir signed for a comeback in a mentor's capacity ahead of IPL 2024. 

During a special interaction with his fans on Twitter this Saturday (December 2) amidst the excitement and frenzy around his upcoming film 'Dunki', the legend said he is "absolutely" chuffed at the prospect of Gambhir joining the KKR support staff before the next season in April-May. 


Shahrukh holds Gambhir in great regard and respect as the lead protagonist behind KKR's rise from the ashes in the early years of the IPL. Down in the slump with persistent failures from 2008 to 2010, KKR became one of the contenders once Gambhir joined the Kolkata-based franchise. 

Shahrukh Khan Excited With Gambhir's KKR Comeback

It was under the former India opener's captaincy that KKR made the qualifiers stage for the first time in 2011 and then emerged triumphant in the 2012 and 2014 editions of the marquee T20 league. The two-time champions haven't since managed to replicate their success under anyone else's leadership. 

Striving to revive KKR's fortunes, the franchise recently went back to its most trusted leader as Gambhir parted ways with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after just two seasons as an influential mentor and signed up with his old team. 



"Going back to where there was a lot of emotions, sweat, hard work, all those memories coming back. It’s a new start and hopefully, we can deliver. KKR is very close to my heart because of the amount of love we have got from the people of Bengal, it is time to repay it," Gambhir had said on his return to KKR in a statement. 

"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," he added.