'This is your franchise, make it or break it' - Gautam Gambhir reveals old chat with Shah Rukh Khan ahead of IPL 2024

Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) newly appointed mentor, opened up about his conversation with the franchise co-owner Sha Rukh Khan ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). It was Gambhir who laid the foundation of a strong KKR team and guided the side to win the title in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Former KKR skipper stated that the Bollywood icon recently told him to take the franchise in a direction in a way he deems fit. The conversation dates back to 2011, which is when GG united with Knight Riders. The former Indian cricketer is confident that he can develop the best out of KKR players in the forthcoming season, this time as a mentor.

“He (Shah Rukh) told me the same thing that he told me in 2011 when I joined as a player. 'This is your franchise; make it or break it.' I don't know what's going to happen. But I assure you that whenever I leave this place, it will be in a much better position,” Gambhir revealed on the show Knights Unplugged.

Also Read: Reports: Shah Rukh Khan offered blank cheque to Gautam Gambhir to join KKR

I'm a very tough guy to handle: Gambhir

Two-time IPL winning skipper went on to say that he is a kind of rough person, whether as a player or as a mentor. He further thanked Shah Rukh Khan and KKR CEO Venky Mysore, mentioning he did give them some tough times during his previous stint with KKR.

“I'm a very tough guy to handle. I have to thank SRK (Shah Rukh Khan) and Venky bhai (CEO Venky Mysore) who is here as well. They have taken a lot of my tantrums and stubbornness for such a long period of time,” the 42-year-old said further.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir accidentally reveals potential date of Finals

In addition, KKR made it to the IPL 2022 final but fell short by 27 runs against Chennai Super Kings. However, they had been underperforming in the last couple of years, finishing in the seventh position. KKR will kickstart their IPL 2024 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, March 23. The Kolkata-based franchise would be hoping to have a memorable campaign this year with the appointment of Gambhir as team mentor.