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'Your Franchise, Make Or Break It' - Gambhir Reveals Conversation With Shahrukh Khan

Gautam Gambhir and Shahrukh Khan reunite with IPL 2024 [X.com]Gautam Gambhir and Shahrukh Khan reunite with IPL 2024 [X.com]

Gautam Gambhir recalled a highly influential conversation with giant movie star and co-owner Shahrukh Khan during his captaincy days with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2024. 

The former KKR skipper, under whom the franchise transformed its fortunes and lifted two titles in IPL 2012 and 2014, said it was the legendary Khan who provided him a free hand to take cricketing decisions and promised there wouldn't be any interference from the ownership team in on-field matters. 

Gambhir is still thankful for the trust and the overall vote of confidence Shahrukh and the KKR franchise showed in him back at the 2011 edition of the IPL by appointing him captain and giving him the best possible chance to leave his mark. 


Gambhir Recalls Conversation With Shahrukh Khan 

As it transpired, KKR that had not reached the playoffs in the first three editions of the IPL in 2008-10 made it to the next round for the first time in Gambhir's captaincy in 2011 and then lifted their maiden trophy the following season before reclaiming the glory in 2014. 

"He (SRK) only told me the same thing that he had told me when I joined KKR as a player in 2011: 'This is your franchise, make it or break it'," Gambhir said at an event organised by KKR franchise ahead of the IPL 2024. 


"He told me exactly the same thing. I don't know what's going to happen, but I can assure you that whenever I leave this place, we will be in a much better position."

Gambhir is now making a comeback to the franchise as an influential mentor, once again given a free-hand and responsibility to help revive KKR's fortunes after consecutive seasons of substandard showings. 

KKR have reached the playoffs only twice since Gambhir left the set-up as a player seven years back.