Gautam Gambhir’s Stern Message to Kolkata Knight Riders: IPL is About Cricket, Not Bollywood
Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has issued a clear and unwavering message to his team: IPL is not about Bollywood or after-parties, but a golden opportunity for young players to showcase their talent in the world’s most competitive cricket league.
In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, Gambhir emphasized the importance of focusing on the game and delivering results on the field. “I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me is serious cricket. It’s not about Bollywood, it’s not about you, it’s not about after-party and stuff. It’s about going out there and playing competitive cricket,” he stated.
Gambhir, who led KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain, believes that the IPL is the closest league to international cricket in terms of intensity and pressure. “It is probably closest to international cricket as compared to any other league and if you want to be known as a successful franchise, you should be able to deliver on the cricket field,” he added.
KKR failed to reach the play-offs in the previous season, finishing seventh in the standings. Gambhir acknowledged the disappointment and urged the players to work harder for the passionate fanbase of the team. “I think there are very passionate fans. We need to be honest to them. We need to try and probably bring that happiness on their smiles because I’ve always believed I think the most loyal fans have been fans from Kolkata because they’ve gone through a lot in the first three years of the IPL,” he said.
Gambhir’s message is a reminder that the IPL is not just about entertainment and glamour, but also about showcasing cricketing talent and delivering results for the fans. As the league enters its 17th season, KKR will be looking to bounce back and prove their worth under Gambhir’s guidance.
