KKR Star Reveals Gautam Gambhir's Message Before Start Of IPL 2024 Season

Shortly after Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third IPL title with an eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, in-form all-rounder Sunil Narine lifted team mentor Gautam Gambhir in jubilation and the two-time IPL-winning captain returned the favour to him. One of the major talking points for KKR ahead of IPL 2024 was how would they perform with Gambhir returning as the mentor, with an eye to end their decade-long trophy drought, something which he talked in his first team speech at the pre-season camp in Kolkata. On Sunday, Gambhir stayed true to his words as KKR lifted its third IPL title and 12 years after their first won the championship in 2012.

“I want to share one short story that when GG bhaiya was named the mentor, I sent him a long message as I was really happy. But he replied saying, "Thank you but I would be happy if we stand at the podium with the trophy in our hands." Today is that day and I will never forget that message,” revealed Nitish Rana in post-final chat with broadcasters.

The IPL 2024 triumph for KKR, shaped by their bowlers as they bowled out SRH for just 113, also left assistant coach and KKR academy head Abhishek Nayar joyful, after being called in to join by leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.

“It means everything. I started playing IPL in the first season and it has taken me 16 years for the first title after two finals. I am really happy for the boys. I cannot express how happy I am. The big man (Andre Russell) turning up as usual. It is the most surreal feeling I have had in a long time.”

Similar emotions were echoed by Venkatesh Iyer, who top-scored in the chase of 114 with 52 not out off 26 balls. “Really happy with it. As Varun mentioned, Abhishek Nayar deserves all the credit in the