IPL founder orders KKR to bring back Gautam Gambhir: 'Incentivise him, give him stock options like Shane Warne'

IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi recently urged Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to bring back India head coach Gautam Gambhir amid poor form. Modi stated that the franchise should appoint Gambhir as a global strategist to strengthen their structure and improve long-term planning for future success.

The Kolkata-based franchise is struggling under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane in the ongoing IPL season. Fans continue to recall Gambhir’s successful era and believe he is the best person to guide the team, rebuild confidence, improve consistency, and bring back winning momentum for the franchise.

Lalit Modi Demands Action from Kolkata Knight Riders

Lalit Modi believes Kolkata Knight Riders must do everything possible to bring back Gautam Gambhir. He also recommended signing Gambhir on a contract outside the standard auction purse limits to secure his long-term involvement with the team.

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"That I agree. That @GautamGambhir WITHOUT AN IOTA of Doubt In my mind he was the BEST PERSON for @KKRiders - the team management needs to do WHATEVER and I say it again WHATEVER IT TAKES To LURE him back. Incentivise him. Like Shane Warne had equity options," Lalit Modi wrote.

"Lock him in for a LONG LONG TERM- GIVE him STOCK OPTIONS - I hope they are smart to do that. He does not fall within Player Auction Purse - get him to be the face of the TEAM - There needs to be A PLAYER FACE OF THE TEAM. Gautam should be Kkr’s MAIN STRATEGIST GLOBALLY. NO ONE BETTER."

That I agree. That @GautamGambhir WITHOUT AN IOTA of Doubt In my mind he was the BEST PERSON for @KKRiders - the team management needs to do WHATEVER and I say it again WHATEVER IT TAKES To LURE him back. Incentivise him. Like Shane Warne had equity options. Lock him in for a… https://t.co/DAdfCCvmqN

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) April 10, 2026

Board Rules Prevent Gautam Gambhir Return

Gautam Gambhir is currently the head coach of the India national team. Board of Control for Cricket in India rules do not allow the India head coach to work with any IPL franchise at the same time. Gambhir took up the role in July 2024 and is contracted until 2027.

India have enjoyed strong success in white-ball formats under Gambhir. The team won the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. India have also remained unbeaten in T20I series since his appointment as head coach.

However, India have struggled in Test cricket during this period. They won series against Bangladesh and West Indies, but suffered whitewash defeats against New Zealand and South Africa at home. The five-match Test series against England in the UK ended in a 2-2 draw.

Gautam Gambhir’s Bold Move Turns Sunil Narine into Explosive Opener for KKR

Gautam Gambhir gets major credit for promoting Sunil Narine as an opening batter. Narine first opened for Melbourne Renegades in the 2016-17 Big Bash League season, where he scored 37 runs in three innings with a strike rate of 137 during the powerplay.

Narine saw a big improvement after opening for Kolkata Knight Riders. He scored 222 runs in 2017 and 343 in 2018. His best season came in 2024, when he scored 488 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 180.7.

Narine also scored his maiden T20 century in 2024, helping Kolkata Knight Riders win their third title. He continued opening in 2025, scoring 246 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 170.8. However, KKR currently open with Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen.

Also read: Harshit Rana injury update: Pacer begins rehab at BCCI CoE after missing IPL 2026