Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir, a two-time IPL champion captain with the team, expressed his deep connection with the franchise and his confidence in its future.
Looking Back on Success
Gambhir, crediting KKR for shaping him into a successful leader, highlighted the core values of passion, honesty, sacrifice, and selflessness that defined his time with the team. He specifically praised teammates Sunil Narine and Andre Russell for their dedication and contributions.
High Praise for Former Teammates
Gambhir lauded Andre Russell’s unwavering passion and his ability to overcome challenges throughout his career. He also spoke highly of Sunil Narine, calling him “one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history” and a selfless teammate. Ryan ten Doeschate was another player who earned Gambhir’s admiration for his selfless contributions.
Confidence in KKR’s Future
Looking ahead, Gambhir expressed optimism about the future of KKR. He mentioned owner Shah Rukh Khan’s words from when he joined the team in 2011, “This is your franchise, make it or break it,” and assured everyone that the team will be “in a much better place” when he leaves.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s Perspective
KKR captain Shreyas Iyer feels privileged to work alongside legends like Gambhir and coach Chandrakant Pandit. He’s grateful for the opportunity to lead a talented squad.
Coach Pandit on Team Balance
Coach Chandrakant Pandit is confident about the team’s composition this season. He emphasized the importance of balance not only among players but also within the support staff.
KKR Launches App and Jersey
The event also saw the launch of KKR’s new app, Knight Club Plus, and the official team jersey for the upcoming IPL season. Several players, including Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Mitchell Starc, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh, were also presented at the event.