Watch: Gautam Gambhir pays tribute to KKR fans after being appointed as India head coach

In a heartfelt tribute to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans, Gautam Gambhir bid an emotional farewell as he transitions from his role as KKR's mentor to the prestigious position of India's head coach. Gambhir, a former KKR captain and mentor, has been a pivotal figure in the team's success story. 

His association with KKR has been nothing short of magical, leading the team to two IPL victories in 2012 and 2014 as captain, and most recently in 2024 as a mentor. His appointment as India's head coach on July 9, 2024, following Rahul Dravid's successful tenure, demanded his departure from the franchise.

Gambhir's connection with Kolkata and its cricket-loving populace runs deep. In a touching video message shared on his Instagram handle, he expressed his bond with the city and its fans.

“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," Gambhir posted the video message on his Instagram handle.

"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,” said Gambhir in his video message," he added.

Watch the video below: 

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It will all be for the tri colour, It will all be about our India: Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir's message wasn't just a goodbye; it was a promise of a new beginning. As he begins a new journey as India's head coach, he sought the continued support of KKR fans. 

“And now the time has come when we have to create some legacies together. The time has come when we have to write some bigger and bolder scripts. The script not with purple ink but in that blue, the treasured India blue. As we both take our fresh card we promise each other that we will never walk alone. It will always be shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. It will all be for the tri colour. It will all be about our India,” the former concluded.

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The 42-year-old's immediate focus will be on the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, starting from July 27, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. Though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the new head coach they are yet to finalize the other coaching staff who will work under the former opener. The board is likely to announce the squad and the rest of the support staff soon.