Meeting at Mannat, Managing KKR for 10 Years, Blank Cheque And a Stunned Sanjiv Goenka: How Shah Rukh Khan Convinced Gautam Gambhir to Join Knight Riders – News18

Gautam Gambhir made a memorable return to Kolkata Knight Riders, playing a vital role in the team capturing a third IPL title when they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final last Sunday. Gambhir famously won KKR two IPL trophies during his time as their captain and has repeated the feat albeit in the role of a mentor now.

Gambhir though left the franchise after IPL 2017 to rejoin his old franchise Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) after asking KKR to not retain him before the auctions. Later in 2018, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket but remain associated with the game as commentator and pundit.

Also Read: KKR IPL Season Review

With Lucknow Super Giants entering IPL as a new franchise, Gambhir was roped in as mentor and they reached the playoffs in their first two seasons.

However, while Gambhir was still associated with the team, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan reportedly invited him to his house ‘Mannat’ in Mumbai last year to discuss his return to the franchise.

As per Dainik Jagran, the discussion went on for hours and Shah Rukh even offered Gambhir the team’s rein for 10 years and a blank cheque to quote his fees.

As it turned out, the two-time world champion returned to KKR ahead of IPL 2024.

Reportedly, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was caught off-guard when the reports of Gambhir leaving the team first emerged in the media. Goenka was still under the impressed that the former India captain will remain with the team but by then, he had made up his mind to join KKR.

Gambhir’s return saw KKR bossing over IPL 2024 as they topped the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches while losing just three (two ended in a no result). The Shreyas Iyer-led side twice outclassed Sunrisers Hyderabad – in Qualifier 1 and final – to become the champions.

However, there are speculations over Gambhir’s future with KKR after multiple reports claim he could become the next head coach of India men’s cricket team once Rahul Dravid’s tenure officially comes to an end.

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