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Gautam Gambhir’s Inspirational Speech Marks KKR Return, Sets Sights on IPL 2024 Title

For Gautam Gambhir, it’s equal parts a homecoming and a perhaps even greater one. His return to the Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor goes much beyond a former captain joining the squad again. It’s not even limited to the IPL or KKR for Gambhir. His relationship with Kolkata, the city, and its people is distinct, as he has repeatedly stated. His first speech following his participation in the KKR practice at Eden Gardens on Friday was indicative of that. Gambhir expressed his thoughts for the team, calling it “a successful and proud” franchise, in a very direct manner. “This season officially begins today. Put everything you’ve got into it—your body and mind. It’s an incredibly profitable and proud franchise.”

“You guys are speaking on behalf of a highly prosperous franchise. Make sure you play that way, train that way, and maintain that mindset all over the field. That will be crucially important. And granting gamers complete autonomy is something I firmly support. That is something that is really, extremely significant,” Gambhir stated in a video that KKR shared on its social media accounts. Gambhir’s return to KKR is a cause for sentimentality. Thirteen years ago, when he joined the team as its new captain, things were far from ideal. As captain, he took over from Sourav Ganguly, the city’s all-time favorite, and won the IPL on his second try. In 2014, he brought KKR their second IPL trophy, repeating the same feat a few years later. Under Gambhir’s guidance, KKR also made it to the Champions League final.

In addition to having a significant impact on the outcome, he helped form the team’s core group by selecting players like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who will continue to be the cornerstones of KKR as the IPL enters its 17th season. There won’t be any discrimination inside the team, as the former India opener made quite plain. Every player, novice or celebrity, on the international scene will receive the same treatment. “There is one thing my teammates will know about me: I treat everyone in our group fairly. Senior junior does not exist. Both domestic and international are nonexistent. Therefore, winning this IPL is our only goal.”

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Gambhir eyes a third IPL title with KKR.

The squad’s all-time leading run scorer for KKR expressed his desire for the team to advance to the championship game on May 26 and win it. Thus, everyone must choose that one easy route. We should be there on May 26th, giving it everything we have, and that begins today. It will not begin on the 26th. It won’t begin on the 23rd.” “We want to accomplish this, and it begins today. We will therefore succeed greatly if we struggle and follow the same course. So, folks, good luck. Enjoy your independence. Have fun with it. You have the right to make inquiries, in private or in public. From the perspective of the support team, I can also guarantee you that we will be completely truthful with each and every one of you. Good luck, then,” remarked Gambhir. On Saturday, March 23, KKR will take on the Pat Cummins-led SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match of the 2024 Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.

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