Shah Rukh Khan’s Unwavering Support Propelled Gautam Gambhir to IPL Glory
Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor Gautam Gambhir has revealed the profound impact that team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan had on his career during a challenging period in 2014. As captain of the team, Gambhir endured a lean patch at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, contemplating dropping himself from the lineup.
However, Khan’s unwavering belief in Gambhir’s abilities proved pivotal. In a conversation captured on the KKR Knights Dugout Podcast, Gambhir recalled Khan’s words: “Till you’re here, you are not going to drop yourself.”
Inspired by Khan’s trust, Gambhir persevered and led KKR to their second IPL title that season. The Bollywood superstar’s support extended beyond the field, as Gambhir noted that Khan rarely interfered with his decision-making as captain.
“He trusted my decision-making,” Gambhir said. “I’m not saying I took all the right decisions, but he never questioned them.”
Gambhir’s admiration for Khan stems from the actor’s exceptional leadership qualities. “He is the best owner I’ve worked with,” Gambhir declared. “He’s not just a big achiever in his own field, but he also trusts his team and empowers them to make decisions.”
Under Gambhir’s captaincy, KKR won two IPL titles, in 2012 and 2014. He returned to the franchise in 2024 as a mentor, bringing his wealth of experience and leadership skills to guide the team to future success.
