Kolkata Knight Riders had a memorable IPL 2024 as they dominated the season to become the champions for the third time in their history. The return of Gautam Gambhir, a fully fit Shreyas Iyer leading the side and their top stars firing on all cylinders contributed to their success.
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However, less than two months after the triumph, a transition phase is underway at KKR with Gambhir bidding farewell to the franchise one more time.
Gambhir made a successful return to KKR for IPL 2024, a team he captained to two title wins in 2012 and 2014. This time, a won them the title in the capacity of a mentor.
He’s now set to begin a new phase of his career as Indian men’s cricket team head coach meaning his second stint with KKR lasted just a season. Additionally, there will be a mega auction ahead of IPL 2025 with teams historically allowed to retain three-four players while releasing the rest.
Gambhir Leaves KKR
The discussions on players are yet to begin but KKR will surely miss the services of Gambhir who has been pivotal to the team’s success.
“Obviously yes. We had a good rapport, discussing team strategies and planning with the captain to achieve better combinations. Obviously, we will miss the communication we had,” KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit said on Gambhir’s departure.
“We’re extremely elated with Gambhir being appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. I’m sure he will do a wonderful job, as he has been doing over the last few years. He has been pivotal for the success of KKR over the years, and also played big roles in India winning the World Cups in 2007 (T20I) and 2011 (ODI). He carries a lot of experience and is definitely the right choice. I’m really happy for BCCI,” he added.
Pandit messaged Gambhir the day BCCI announced his appointment as the India head coach. “Yesterday, I messaged him, congratulated him. It’s a prestigious job and a prestigious role he is going to play for our country. Obviously, I was very happy to message him. He also messaged me back,” he said.
Will Nayar Leave KKR Too?
There are reports that KKR could also lose another member of their backroom staff in Abhishek Nayar who is their current assistant coach.
“This is also in the news. He (Nayar) has also done a great job with KKR for the last few years. He was equally valued to us. If someone gets the opportunity to excel in their career, one should be happy about that,” Pandit said.
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