Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed star all-rounder Sunil Narine as the franchise's "MVP" after their Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph. Narine was named the 'Most Valuable Player' of IPL 2024, leading KKR to victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, has witnessed Narine's transformation firsthand. He recalled Narine's shy demeanor when he first joined the team in 2012, but praised his growth both on and off the field."Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions," Gambhir said. "He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me."Gambhir emphasized Narine's unwavering commitment to KKR, despite his global success. "He was KKR's MVP even before the season got underway," Gambhir said. "The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder, and I'm sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket."Narine's impact on KKR's success cannot be overstated. In IPL 2024, he scored 488 runs and picked up 17 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a batsman and bowler. His ability to bowl economical spells and strike with the bat has made him an indispensable asset for the franchise.Gambhir's praise for Narine is a testament to the all-rounder's exceptional talent and dedication. As KKR looks to build on their IPL triumph, Narine will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their future success.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir's Reconciliation: A Heartwarming Moment in IPL 2024The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a heartwarming moment between former teammates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The alleged hostility between the two seemed to dissolve as they shared a warm embrace, demonstrating mutual respect and camaraderie.Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, put their past differences aside. Gambhir's return to KKR as a mentor proved to be a masterstroke, guiding Shreyas Iyer's team to their third IPL title. KKR dominated the final, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai, ending their 10-year title drought.Addressing the perceived rift with Kohli, Gambhir stated, "The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn't need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public."Gambhir also praised Kohli's six-hitting prowess, acknowledging the RCB batter's batting excellence. Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 games and winning the prestigious Orange Cap.Kohli reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event, saying, "People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you're booing. We're not kids anymore."The reconciliation between Kohli and Gambhir is a testament to the power of sportsmanship and the ability to move beyond past conflicts. It serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of cricket, respect and camaraderie can prevail.

KKR's Mission: To Become the Most Successful IPL FranchiseKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has set an ambitious goal for the franchise: to become the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on Sportskeeda, Gambhir expressed his satisfaction with KKR's recent victory but emphasized that the journey towards greater success has just begun."We are still two trophies away from MI and CSK," Gambhir said. "I am content today, but we are still not the most successful IPL franchise. To do that, we need to win the tournament three more times, and that will require a lot of effort. Our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There will be no better feeling than that. But, the journey towards that has only begun."Reflecting on the emotions of winning the IPL for the third time, the former KKR skipper described the experience as indescribable. "When you head into the IPL, your first thought is to reach the playoffs. When you are close to the playoffs, you think about the top two. When you reach the top two, you want to get to the final, and then you want to win it. At every step, there has been excitement, challenges, and nervousness," he said."Today, sitting at home, I am a very happy man. IPL is such a league where you cannot take any team lightly. It’s such a high-intensity tournament that when you win it, you start feeling really good about yourself," he added.Having guided KKR to their third IPL title, Gambhir is now looking forward to spending quality time with his family, describing it as the best way to rejuvenate and relax. "For me, what’s next is the vacation with my girls and my wife. I am looking forward to it. You get rejuvenated with such breaks, as you don’t have to think about cricket at all. There is nothing better than spending time with family. After playing such a high-intensity tournament and winning it, there can be no better feeling," Gambhir concluded.

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.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged victorious in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), claiming their third title after a decade-long wait. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata-based franchise showcased exceptional performances throughout the season, culminating in a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash.KKR's triumph was a testament to their consistent brilliance, with the team delivering extraordinary batting and bowling displays. The franchise's success was further amplified by a hilarious moment involving batter Rinku Singh, who attempted to vlog amidst the celebrations.In a video that went viral on social media, Singh welcomed viewers to his channel and urged them to subscribe and enable notifications. However, his fumbled delivery left his teammates Nitish Rana, Rana's wife, and Anukul Roy in fits of laughter."Hello guys, welcome to new vlog. Subscribe kar lo. Ghanta button daba do. We have won the final trophy. My dream has come true. This my didi (Rana's wife), bhaiya (Rana), and Anukul," Singh said.Despite his humorous antics, Singh expressed his elation at KKR's victory. "Outstanding feeling right now. Dream has come true - I have been here for 7 years and we are so happy. Credit to GG sir. I will finally lift the IPL trophy. It was God's plan," he said.While Singh's batting contributions were not as significant in this edition of the IPL, his inclusion as a traveling reserve for Team India's T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his potential. The first batch of the Indian team has already arrived in New York, where they will face Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5.

Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024, Clinching Third ChampionshipBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his elation and gratitude as his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emerged victorious in the IPL 2024 final. KKR's dominating eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) marked their third IPL championship title.Khan, the principal owner of KKR, hailed the team's "stars" for their exceptional performance. He acknowledged the contributions of Gautam Gambhir, the team's mentor, Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach, and Chandrakant Pandit, the head coach."To my boys... my team... my champs... 'these blessed candles of the night'... My Stars...of KKR. I cannot do a lot of things and you cannot do them all either...but together we manage most of them," Khan wrote in a heartfelt social media post.He emphasized the team's unity and collaboration, stating that KKR is "not built on hierarchy but pure respect for collaboration." Khan praised the players' understanding of the team's vision and their dedication to the cause."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. Boys you are all made of Star stuff!!" he exclaimed.Khan also expressed his gratitude to the KKR fans who had patiently waited 10 years for this victory. He urged them to continue their support and encouraged youngsters to learn from the team's resilience."Love you all and don't let the dancing stop! Also, so happy and thankful for each and every KKR fan and I hope all around the world youngsters learn that tough times don't last..." he wrote.Despite suffering from a heat stroke last week, Khan was present at the final in Chennai's Chepauk Stadium. He appeared in a mask throughout most of the match but removed it as KKR approached victory.KKR's first IPL title came in 2012, followed by another triumph in 2014. The team's latest victory is a testament to their determination and the leadership of Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a constant source of inspiration for the players and fans alike.

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Triumph Illuminates Burj Khalifa in Purple GloryIn a spectacular display of celebration, the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, was adorned in the vibrant purple hues of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to commemorate their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title victory.KKR's triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL final on May 26 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium sparked jubilation among their fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. In Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa became a beacon of celebration, its facade illuminated with purple lights and videos of the moment going viral on social media.The franchise shared a captivating video on social media, capturing the breathtaking spectacle. "View from the top. It's all PURPLE," they captioned the post. The building's towering structure showcased images of the KKR squad and their co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside the message: "Congratulations KKR. Congratulations SRK."KKR's previous IPL triumphs came in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Coincidentally, Gambhir now serves as the team's mentor and is a frontrunner to become the new coach of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup in June.The Burj Khalifa's tribute to KKR's victory not only celebrated their achievement but also highlighted the global reach and popularity of the IPL. The tournament has become a major sporting event, attracting fans from around the world and showcasing the talent and skill of Indian cricketers.

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.