'Made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL is serious cricket for me' - Gautam Gambhir reveals his message to KKR ahead of IPL 2024

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick off on March 22, and the 10 franchises will aim to put in their best performances and hope to get their hands on the coveted title. With the tournament around the corner, one of the sides that can go all the way would be Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Ahead of the IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders announced the signing of former skipper Gautam Gambhir as the side’s mentor for the season. Gambhir led Kolkata to two IPL titles during his playing days and will aim to have a similar impact as a mentor. 

Ahead of the 17th edition of the tournament, Gambhir recently came forward and talked about how he had a serious message for the squad for the upcoming season of the IPL. 

"I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me, a serious cricket. It's not about Bollywood, it's not about you, it's not about after party and stuff. It's about going out there and playing competitive cricket and that's the reason why I feel is the toughest league in the world because it is proper cricket," Gambhir said on Star Sports.

"It is probably closest to international cricket as compared to any other league and if you want to be known as a successful franchise, you should be able to deliver on the cricket field," he added.

I think there are very passionate fans: Gambhir 

Furthermore, Gambhir heaped praise on the loyal fanbase of Kolkata Knight Riders, which has backed the franchise during tough seasons, and how it is time to repay their faith.

"I think there are very passionate fans. We need to be honest with them. We need to try and probably bring that happiness to their smiles because I've always believed I think the most loyal fans have been fans from Kolkata because they've gone through a lot in the first three years of the IPL," Gambhir said.