'We have got one mission and that is to win the IPL' - Gautam Gambhir uplifts KKR's spirits ahead of new season

Kolkata Knight Riders’ adopted son, Gautam Gambhir is back in their den. He is donning the cap of a mentor this season. When he was announced as the mentor of the franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024, fans and social media were abuzz congratulating the former KKR captain. Ahead of the impending tournament, the KKR team assembled at Eden Gardens for the pre-season training camp. Gambhir heading the camp has conveyed words of wisdom before the take field.

The former Indian cricketer who was the linchpin behind KKR’s title wins in 2012 and 2014, left the post of Member of Parliament with the Bharatiya Janata Party to focus more on his designation with KKR. The franchise, however, has struggled to clinch another title since their last championship in 2014. Moreover, they even failed to qualify for the playoffs in two successive seasons.

"We start the season from today. Whether it is physically, mentally, skill wise, give everything possible. It is a very very proud franchise and a successful franchise. You guys are representing a very successful franchise. Make sure you train that way, you play that way, and you carry that attitude on the field. That is going to be very very important," Gambhir said in a video uploaded by KKR.

"One thing I absolutely believe in, is giving all the freedom to the players. That is something very very important. So, people who have played with me, know one thing about me, that everyone in this group, will be treated equally. There is no senior-junior, there is no domestic-international, because we have got one mission and that is to win the IPL. So everyone has to follow that one simple path," he added.

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On 26th May, we should be there giving everything possible: Gambhir

KKR have been under the carpet over the years barring their lone appearance in finals in 2021. The franchise is leaving no stone unturned to obtain the coveted trophy, that has eluded them for 10 long years. Their desperation is highlighted by the fact that they have occupied the services of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a whopping 24.75 crore. With the likes of Andre Russel, Sunil Narine, and Rinku Singh at their disposal, they will aim for a cracker of a season this year.

“On 26th May, we should be there giving everything possible, and it starts from today. It is not going to start on the 26th, it is not going to start on the 23rd, it starts today. This is what we want to do. So, if we walk the same path and if we fight, I am sure we are going to achieve a lot of success. So, good luck guys, have the freedom, enjoy yourselves. You can ask questions whether closed doors, or in front of everyone, and I can assure you, from a support staff point of view, that we are going to be absolutely honest to everyone of you," Gambhir concluded.