Watch: Gautam Gambhir bids goodbye to Kolkata, KKR fans after becoming India head coach

Gautam Gambhir, soon to take on his new role as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, expressed his gratitude to the fans of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a heartfelt social media video.

Having recently departed from KKR after guiding them to their third IPL title in May, Gambhir now steps into the shoes of Rahul Dravid as the successor in the Indian team.

In a poignant visit to Kolkata, Gambhir filmed a farewell video for KKR fans at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium before his official appointment as India’s head coach by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Revealing the video on Tuesday via his social media channels, Gambhir underscored his commitment to building new legacies with Kolkata and KKR fans, acknowledging the support of the Cricket Association of Bengal and others.

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Set against the backdrop of Eden Gardens, the video encapsulated key moments from Gambhir’s journey in the IPL 2024 season, with the former KKR captain expressing a deep connection with the city and its passionate residents. Reflecting on shared experiences of resilience and determination, Gambhir emphasised his solidarity with Kolkata, portraying himself as a part of its fabric and expressing understanding of its sentiments and aspirations.

Come Kolkata, let’s create some new legacies @KKRiders @iamsrk @indiancricketteam

Dedicated to Kolkata and KKR fans…

Special thanks to Cricket Association of Bengal @cabcricket @kkriders

Directed by:
@pankyyyyyyyyyyyy

DOP: @Rhitambhattacharya

Written by:
Dinesh Chopra… pic.twitter.com/vMcUjalOLj

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 16, 2024

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“Come Kolkata, let’s create some new legacies @kkriders @iamsrk @indiancricketteam. Dedicated to Kolkata and KKR fans… Special thanks to Cricket Association of Bengal @cabcricket @kkriders,” said Gambhir in the video caption.

“I smile when you smile. I cry when you cry. I win when you win. I lose, when you lose. I dream when you dream. I achieve when you achieve. I believe with you and I become with you I am you Kolkata, I’m just one of you. I know your struggles and I know where it hurts. The rejections have crushed me but like you, I wake up embracing hope. I get beaten every day but like you, I’m yet to be defeated,” says Gambhir in the video.

“They tell me to be popular, I tell them to be a winner. I am you, Kolkata I’m just one of you. This Kolkata air talks to me. The sounds, the streets here, the traffic jams. They all convey how you feel. I hear what you say, but I know what you mean. I know you’re emotional. So am I. I know you’re demanding. So am I. Kolkata, we are a bond. We are a story. We are a team,” he adds.

Gambhir’s association with KKR saw him transition from player to mentor, returning to the franchise after seven years to guide them ahead of the auction in December. Notable for leading KKR to IPL trophy wins in 2012 and 2014, Gambhir’s tenure was marked by success and a strong bond with the team and its supporters.

In 2024, under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, KKR topped the points table and clinched their third IPL title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in both Qualifier 1 and the final, culminating in a triumphant season for the franchise.