Cricket

Nitish Rana's heartfelt tribute to Gautam Gambhir on Instagram following Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) historic IPL 2024 triumph has shed light on the profound impact Gambhir has had on the franchise's resurgence.Gambhir, who captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, returned to the dugout as a mentor ahead of the 2024 season. His influence has been undeniable, with Rana crediting him for the team's success."In this era of Mamba Mentality, we're soon all going to embrace the GG Mentality too," Rana wrote on Instagram, referring to Gambhir's initials.Rana shared a screenshot of a conversation with Gambhir from November 2023, where Gambhir expressed his desire to "create something special" in the upcoming season.KKR's dominance in IPL 2024 was evident in their impressive Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.428, the highest in IPL history. They capped off their campaign with a resounding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, bowling them out for a mere 113 and chasing down the target with ease.Gambhir's influence extended beyond Rana. Sunil Narine acknowledged his role in convincing him to open the batting again, a move that proved pivotal for KKR's success.Even owner Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to Gambhir during KKR's post-final celebrations. "My special thanks to GG," Khan said. "I just have one request... we have to make GG dance tonight."Gambhir's return to KKR has sparked speculation about his potential as India's next men's head coach. While the BCCI has yet to announce its shortlist of candidates, Gambhir's success with KKR has undoubtedly strengthened his credentials.

Gautam Gambhir's Midas Touch Extends to Kolkata Knight Riders, Reigniting Head Coach SpeculationGautam Gambhir's remarkable success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to soar, with the former Indian opener now guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title. After leading Lucknow Super Giants to two consecutive playoffs, Gambhir's mentorship has transformed KKR into a formidable force, showcasing their confidence and class throughout the tournament.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has flourished, leading the team with poise and determination. The team's success has reignited speculation that Gambhir could be in line to take over as head coach of the Indian cricket team after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends with the 2024 T20 World Cup.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has been vocal in his praise for Gambhir's influence on the team. In a heartfelt post, Khan revealed how Gambhir's philosophy has instilled a sense of unity and respect within the squad."GG said if u can't support a single vision as a team....u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old," Khan wrote. "The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team....but a proof of each player being the best for the team."Gambhir's success with KKR has further cemented his reputation as a shrewd tactician and motivator. His ability to inspire players and create a winning environment has made him a highly sought-after coach.While the Indian cricket board has yet to make an official announcement, Gambhir's name remains at the forefront of discussions for the head coach role. His proven track record and his ability to connect with players make him a strong contender to lead the Indian team to future glory.

The search for India's next head coach is underway as Rahul Dravid's tenure nears its end after the T20 World Cup 2024. Reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the position, with Ashish Nehra and VVS Laxman also in contention.The BCCI has reportedly received few applications from foreign coaches, preferring candidates with experience in the domestic circuit. Despite the May 27 application deadline, the BCCI may delay the decision as players focus on the T20 World Cup.After the World Cup, the Indian team will tour Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The BCCI may send National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches for these tours. "The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision," a BCCI source told PTI.Cricbuzz reports that a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" close to the BCCI top brass has indicated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal." However, negotiations are ongoing, and no official announcement has been made.Gambhir faces challenges if he accepts the role. As a successful IPL mentor and TV expert, he would have to give up these roles. The demanding schedule of the Indian cricket team coach, requiring extensive travel, may also be a factor for Gambhir, who has a young family.

Gautam Gambhir's astute leadership and unwavering support have transformed the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) into a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the mentor of the franchise, Gambhir has played a pivotal role in KKR's resurgence, guiding them to the top of the league stage and ultimately to victory in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Gambhir's unwavering support for his players has been a key factor in their success. He believes in giving players a fair chance to prove themselves, regardless of their experience or reputation. This approach has allowed uncapped players like Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to flourish and make significant contributions to the team.Another key aspect of Gambhir's leadership is his ability to create a winning atmosphere. He understands the importance of instilling confidence in his players and empowering them to perform at their best. This was evident in his decision to open the innings with Sunil Narine, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Narine responded with a series of match-winning performances, earning him the MVP award for the season.Gambhir's focus on team goals over individual achievements has also been instrumental in KKR's success. He believes that the team's collective effort is more important than any individual accolades. This approach has fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie within the squad, with players willing to sacrifice their personal ambitions for the greater good of the team.One of Gambhir's most notable traits is his ability to give players clear roles and responsibilities. This has allowed players like Phil Salt, Ramandeep Singh, and Harshit Rana to thrive in their respective roles. Gambhir's faith in these players has paid off handsomely, as they have consistently delivered for the team.Even when faced with criticism for his decision to back Mitchell Starc, Gambhir remained steadfast in his belief in the Australian pacer. Starc's performances in the latter stages of the tournament justified Gambhir's faith, proving that he is a true leader who is not afraid to make bold decisions.

Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech in the dressing room following his team's triumph in the IPL 2024 final. KKR produced a dominant performance to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad and secure their third IPL trophy.Despite being recently hospitalized due to a heat stroke, SRK made a special appearance at the summit clash to support his team alongside his family. In a video shared by KKR on social media, SRK expressed his gratitude to the players and staff, while also making a special request."I just have one request, which is my special thanks to Gautam Gambhir," SRK said. "I have not thanked him specially. Two things we had discussed when we started that maybe we can make him dance. Sunil (Narine) has already crossed that boundary. I saw him dance. So we have to make GG [Gautam Gambhir] dance tonight."SRK's speech was met with cheers and applause from the KKR players. He went on to express his love and appreciation for the team, acknowledging their hard work and dedication."Thank you, everybody. You guys are lovely. God bless you. Just stay healthy. And, wherever we go ahead from here onwards, I wish you the best. And, I know, I speak on behalf of Jay, Juhi, Jahnavi, Suhana, Pooja, all of us, who love you very much that you make us very emotional. And, we wish we had this team for the rest of our lives. And you kept on listening to my speeches and playing like this."In the match itself, SRH batters struggled against KKR's bowling attack, with Andre Russell claiming three wickets and Mitchell Starc and Harshit Rana taking two each. SRH were bundled out for a mere 113 runs.In response, Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz guided KKR to an easy victory, securing the franchise's third IPL title.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a strong contender for the position of head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024. Prior to that, he was the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, who reached the IPL playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.According to reports, Gambhir's name is being seriously considered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the head coach role. The official deadline for application submission has passed, and a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" has reportedly stated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal."However, the BCCI has not made any official announcement, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that the next head coach should have a "deep understanding" of the Indian cricket structure, suggesting that an Indian candidate is likely to be appointed.Gambhir's credentials as a player and mentor make him a strong candidate for the role. As a player, he was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He is known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. As a mentor, he has guided two IPL teams to success, demonstrating his ability to develop and motivate players.If appointed, Gambhir would succeed Rahul Dravid, who stepped down as head coach after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Dravid's tenure was marked by a focus on youth development and a resurgence in India's Test cricket performance.The appointment of Gambhir as head coach would be a significant development for Indian cricket. He is a respected figure in the game and his appointment would likely be welcomed by fans and players alike.

The Indian cricket team's coaching position has attracted significant attention, with the application deadline recently passing. Several prominent names, including Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer, were initially linked to the role. However, most foreign candidates have publicly declined to apply.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the importance of appointing a coach familiar with the domestic structure. This has led to speculation that an Indian coach will be selected. VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir have emerged as the frontrunners.According to Cricbuzz, Jay Shah and Gautam Gambhir have had discussions centered around the idea of "doing it for the country." Gambhir is known for his patriotic sentiments and is reportedly considering the BCCI's approach.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan is aware of the development. Earlier, it was reported that Khan desired Gambhir's long-term association with the IPL franchise. According to Dainik Jagran, Khan offered Gambhir a blank cheque last year to remain with KKR for 10 years.While there is no official confirmation of Gambhir's application, the buzz within the coach selection circle suggests that he is a strong candidate. The BCCI is expected to make an announcement soon.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Triumph: Gautam Gambhir's Strategic Brilliance and Humorous InterruptionFollowing Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant victory in the IPL 2024 final, head coach Chandrakant Pandit commenced his customary post-match address in the jubilant dressing room. However, the celebratory atmosphere took an unexpected turn when team mentor Gautam Gambhir interjected with a humorous remark."Ladke pagal ho rahe hai dance karne ke liye," Gambhir quipped with a wry smile, suggesting that the players were eager to break into dance. The video of this witty interruption has since gone viral, capturing the unusually jovial mood of Gambhir.Gambhir's influence on KKR's success cannot be overstated. As captain, he led the team to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His return to the franchise as a mentor ahead of the 2024 season proved pivotal in guiding KKR to their third IPL triumph, ending a decade-long wait.Gambhir's strategic acumen has been widely praised. Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody commended Gambhir's impact on ESPNcricinfo, saying, "His ability to just get the ship in the right direction is crucial. He is very clear in what he believes the dressing room needed to go, the personnel that needed to be in that playing XI, and the likes of Narine being back to the top of the order again."Moody emphasized that Gambhir's clarity and stability brought significant positive changes to KKR, addressing the confusion and inconsistency that had plagued the team in previous seasons. "A lot of things have just worked perfectly for KKR this year, in a positive way. I think Gambhir should be given a huge amount of credit for his impact as a leader. He has created stability and clarity that is the most important thing," Moody added.With Gambhir's arrival, KKR clinched their third Indian Premier League title in 2024. His strategic influence and leadership were instrumental in transforming the team's fortunes. The season saw KKR overcoming previous challenges and inconsistencies, culminating in a memorable victory.

Gautam Gambhir's return to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has proven to be a catalyst for the team's resurgence, leading them to their third IPL title in 2023. Beyond his tactical acumen, Gambhir's mentorship and unwavering belief in his players have played a pivotal role in KKR's success.Gambhir's connection with KKR runs deep, having captained the team to two previous titles in 2012 and 2014. His return in 2023, after a brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants, was met with both excitement and anticipation.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR has undergone a transformation. He has instilled a positive and confident atmosphere in the dressing room, empowering players to perform at their best. One of his key decisions was to promote Sunil Narine as an opener, a move that has paid dividends. Narine's explosive batting has provided KKR with a solid foundation in the powerplay.Gambhir's unwavering support has also been instrumental in Mitchell Starc's resurgence. Despite initial struggles, Gambhir backed the Australian pacer, recognizing his potential. Starc's match-winning performance in the knockout stages, including a crucial wicket in the final, vindicated Gambhir's faith.Beyond his tactical prowess, Gambhir's mentorship has extended to young players like Nitish Rana. Rana credits Gambhir for his positive influence and the team's improved body language.Gambhir's return to KKR has not only brought success but has also rekindled his emotional connection with the franchise. His passion and dedication have inspired the team and the city of Kolkata.