Gautam Gambhir bids farewell to Lucknow Super Giants to join back KKR as a 'Mentor'

The former India opener Gautam Gambhir has made his way back to his cricketing roots. In advance of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, he rejoined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday, November 22, after resigning as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants. Gambhir, who won two titles with KKR in 2012 and 2014, will work closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit as a mentor for the two-time winners.

3 things you need to know

• Gautam Gambhir has won 2 IPL trophies as a captain of Kolkata Knight Riders 
• Gambhir joins Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor 
• Gautam Gambhir finished 3rd with LSG in IPL 2023

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Gautam Gambhir pens down an emotional message to LSG

Gautam Gambhir sent a heartfelt speech after resigning as member of the Lucknow Super Giants. Gambhir has been an essential part of the LSG team from its inception in 2022 under the leadership of KL Rahul.

Gambhir was a prominent figure in the Lucknow Super Giants' operations during his stint, working alongside head coach Andy Flower, who had left earlier in the year. In light of these developments, Lucknow has hired Justin Langer, the winner of Australia's T20 World Cup, as coach for the forthcoming season.  Gambhir statement read:

"As I announce the end of my impeccable journey with Lucknow Super Giants, I am filled with love and immense gratitude towards all the players, coaches, support staff and every individual who has made this journey memorable,"

"I would like to thank Dr. Sanjiv Goenka for his inspiring leadership while creating this remarkable franchise and for his tremendous support to all my endeavours. I'm sure that the team will do wonders in the future and will make every LSG fan proud. All the very best LSG brigade!"

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Gautam Gambhir returns to Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the team where Gautam Gambhir's leadership skills were on display, are gearing up for an emotional reunion with Gambhir. The KKR team had a rough go of it in the first three years of the IPL, but Gambhir, known for his illuminating leadership, guided them to two titles.

A statement from KKR read, "Gautam Gambhir will return to KKR as 'Mentor' and join hands with head coach Chandrakant Pandit." KKR won two championships, made the playoffs five times, and advanced to the Champions League T20 final in 2014 during Gambhir's previous tenure (2011–17). After his time with KKR ended, Gambhir continued his cricket career with the Delhi Capitals before becoming an instructor with the Lucknow Super Giants.