'IPL Is Not About Bollywood' - Gautam Gambhir's Stern Message To KKR

Gambhir wants to revive KKR's fortunes after persistent failings [X.com]Gambhir wants to revive KKR's fortunes after persistent failings [X.com]

Gautam Gambhir came up with a strict message for all players part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise not to take the Indian Premier League (IPL) any less seriously than their international and domestic first-class commitments. 

Gambhir, KKR's two-time IPL winning former skipper, who returns to the franchise after seven long years as their new mentor, has reinforced how he wants his players to approach the league's 17th edition, starting March 22. 

The former India opener underlined his ethos and how he wants the players to treat the marquee T20 league under his supervision as the influential voice in the support staff, with KKR due to begin their campaign on March 23 versus the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). 


Gambhir's Strict Message To KKR Players 

"I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me, a serious cricket. It's not about Bollywood, it's not about you, it's not about after party and stuff. It's about going out there and playing competitive cricket and that's the reason why I feel is the toughest league in the world because it is proper cricket," Gambhir told Star Sports. 


"It is probably closest to international cricket as compared to any other league and if you want to be known as a successful franchise, you should be able to deliver on the cricket field," he added. 

Because of Gambhir's excellent leadership qualities in his heyday, KKR transformed its fortunes from the also-rans of the IPL to the third most successful franchise after Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 

The franchise is now hoping that his impact could work its magic once again as they strive to revive on-field fate, having made the playoffs only once since 2018.