Gambhir's Honest Words: KKR Made Me a Successful Leader

Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is credited with making the franchise KKR famous as a leader, leading the team to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles in 2012 and 2014. Gambhir’s previous association with KKR was from 2011-17 and even helped them qualify for the playoffs five times and reach the Champions League T20 final in 2014.

“KKR made me a successful leader…”

The world says that Gautam Gambhir made Kolkata Knight Riders a successful franchise. But Gambhir says the opposite. In an event before IPL2024, Gambhir said that the team made him a successful leader. In the same event, he also promised to make Kolkata happy this year. Gambhir, who has made KKR champion twice, said, “I did not make KKR a successful team, KKR made me a successful leader”.

“Make it or break it”, SRK to Gambhir

In that interview, Gambhir shared his experience and journey as the leader of KKR. He praised SRK saying, ” He is one of the best team owners one can work with” Gambhir added,” he said on the first day that KKR is your team, make it or break it, it’s your decision”. He also said that SRK had helped him in winning the title trophy in 2012.

Gambhir had this heartfelt conversation round with Smita Prakash in her podcast. Gambhir added that he and SRK had the same conversation about the team in 2023 as well, he replied to SRK, “When I leave the franchise, it will be in a much better place than now… SRK taught me honesty, dignity, and being kind to everyone”.