Gautam Gambhir pens emotional post as he quits Lucknow Super Giants, reveals new IPL team

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has quit the Lucknow Super Giants and will rejoin the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team he led to two Indian Premier League titles. The CEO of KKR, Venky Mysore, announced the decision on Wednesday, as he appointed Gambhir as a mentor.

Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of the Knight Riders, warmly welcomed Gambhir’s return, and called it a “comeback of their captain.” Gambhir expressed his emotions as his transition from LSG to KKR was finalised.

“Gautam has always been part of the family and this is our Captain coming back home in a different avatar as a ‘mentor’," said SRK in a press statement.

“He was sorely missed and now we all look forward to Chandu Sir and Gautam in instilling the never-say-die spirit and of sportsmanship they stand for, in creating magic with Team KKR,” he added.

Gambhir served as LSG’s mentor for two years, and played a key role in their advancement to the final in the IPL 2022. In the 2023 campaign, LSG secured third place in the league standings but could not make it to the final for a second consecutive year.

In a post on X, he said: “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, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014, has now re-joined the franchise as the team’s mentor, beginning with the upcoming 2024 season.

❤️❤️ LSG Brigade! pic.twitter.com/xfG3YBu6l4

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 22, 2023

“I am not an emotional person, and not many things move me. But this is different,” Gambhir stated. “This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again,” Gambhir said on his return to KKR.

I’m back. I’m hungry. I’m No.23. Ami KKR ❤️❤️ @KKRiders pic.twitter.com/KDRneHmzN4

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 22, 2023

Great memories! More to build. ⁦@GautamGambhir⁩ ⁦@KKRiders⁩ pic.twitter.com/miwrvbLOFi

— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) November 22, 2023

Gambhir, a T20 (2007) and ODI (2011) World Cup champion, was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011 and remained with the team until 2017. During hint stint, Kolkata Knight Riders qualified for the IPL playoffs five times (including the two years they won the tournament). They also reached the final of the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2014.

In a statement released by KKR, Gambhir said he is hungry to win more with the franchise.

“I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is
different. This is back to where it all started,” Gambhir said in a statement.

“Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again.

“I am not only coming back to KKR but I am coming back to the city of joy. I am back. I am hungry. I am number 23.”