There are almost none who still do not know Gautam Gambhir’s name. This Indian cricketing legend has played a lot of match-winning innings including the ODI World Cup final in 2011. However, he was appointed as the mentor in an IPL team named Lucknow Supergiant a few years ago. But now, he is likely to part ways with the franchise in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024.
Gambhir to leave LSG?
As per the reports in Dainik Jagran, it has come out that Gautam Gambhir is all set to leave Lucknow Super Giants’ mentorship for the upcoming edition of IPL. The reports said that Gambhir has disclosed his desire to leave the franchise. It is also known that he is in connection with Kolkata Knight Riders management. There were a lot of rumors about this a few days ago but it did not come to any ultimate conclusion.
If the reports turn into reality that GG is talking to KKR for the next season’s mentoring post, it is going to be a homecoming for the former Indian cricketing star. We all know that he joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011 as a cricketer and made them one of the most successful teams in the league.
Knot with KKR?
Gautam Gambhir led KKR to the title of fame in 2012 and 2014. Under his leadership, KKR was a dominating force. If the successful captain returns to his home after a long time as a mentor, it might be energetic for them as in the last two editions they have been struggling for a good place in the league table.
While details about Gambhir’s new post in KKR are yet to be confirmed officially, cricket enthusiasts and fans are patience-less with the excitement about the nature of his arrival. The move is anticipated to take a fresh perspective to Kolkata, hiring his extensive cricketing knowledge and leadership experience.
LSG’s perspective:
Gambhir’s departure from the Lucknow Super Giants marks a vital shift for the team. His presence had brought in wealth of experience and insights to the team. His departure would need the team to redraw their strategies and leadership tactics.
Reports revealed more that Lucknow Super Giants have recently roped in former Australian head mentor Justin Langer as their coach for the upcoming season of IPL. The transfer was confirmed by the franchise management on social media. So, it partly clarifies that Gambhir will not be attached to the LSG management any longer.
However, the update came after a two-year deal of Andy Flower with Lucknow Super Giants concluded after the IPL 2023 and the management parted ways with him. This forced the team to search for a new mentor and as per the reports in sports media, it is learned that Gautam Gambhir himself suggested the name of Justin Langer.
It is going to be Langer’s maiden IPL stint as a mentor. He has had great success as a mentor of the team as he led the Australian national team to the Twenty-twenty World Cup 2021 win. Even under him, Perth Scorchers received three Bug Bash League titles in the first four years.
Kohli vs. Gambhir candid conflict:
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir had some rough verbal exchanges during the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Lucknow Super Giants match last season. The videos of the incident are still trending on social media where Gautam Gambhir is seen angry with Virat Kohli also expressing his displeasure.
LSG coach Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli had a fiery exchange over the events that tempted the ground after the match was done. Gambhir was looking furious while at that moment LSG players trying to calm him down and take him away from Kohli. Afterward, Virat Kohli can be seen explaining the entire situation to Gambhir. But still, the veteran cricketer was looking angry.
However, the Indian Premier League imposed bulky fines on them. While Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their match fee, Naveen-ul-Haq, who was also a part of the conflict, had to pay 50% of his match fee. So, somewhere it might affect the LSG management to keep Gambhir as mentor for the next year.
Wrap lines:
Now, if the reports become true, Gautam Gambhir’s return to Kolkata Knight Riders will undoubtedly be met with overwhelming joy from the franchise’s fanbase. GG’s return would not only evoke memories of his previous successes but also raise expectations for the betterment of the team’s performance in the next IPL.
