KKR CEO Venky Mysore issues statement after Gautam Gambhir leaves franchise for India head coach job

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO, Venky Mysore, bid farewell to the mentor, Gautam Gambhir, with a heartwarming post after he replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian Cricket Team. It was an emotional goodbye for both Gambhir and KKR, but for them, the nation always comes first.

Gambhir returned to the KKR last year, and under his mentorship, the franchise ended the IPL trophy drought of more than a decade earlier this year, winning the IPL 2024 by crushing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on May 26.

Gautam Gambhir leaves KKR to become Team India head coach

Well, Gambhir's name has become synonymous with the golden era of the Kolkata-based franchise. In 2011, the former Indian opener took over the KKR captaincy from the most loved and adored cricketer in Bengal, Sourav Ganguly, who is also known as the Prince of Kolkata.

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Despite being a cricketer from Delhi, Gambhir embraced the spirit of KKR and Bengal, adopting the motto 'korbo, lorbo, jeetbo' and winning the hearts of the KKR fans with his talent. During his tenure as KKR captain from 2011 to 2017, they clinched their first title in 2012, followed by another in 2014.

KKR also qualified for the IPL playoffs five times and reached the final of the Champions League T20 in 2014 under Gambhir’s captaincy. His homecoming was also special, as he yet again won hearts by helping the KKR team win their third IPL title earlier this year.

No doubt you will make India proud: Venky Mysore to Gautam Gambhir

However, KKR will be once again without Gambhir in the IPL with their former mentor taking over as Team India’s head coach, replacing Dravid, and it was certainly a proud moment for the franchise CEO, Venky Mysore, as he paid a heartwarming tribute to the former cricketer.

Mysore said that he is really proud of Gambhir and what he has done for KKR in the IPL. He also expressed his confidence that their former captain and mentor will make the entire country proud with his coaching, as the new era of Indian cricket is set to begin later this month.

Sharing a KKR post on X, Venky Mysore said: “Very proud of you, @GautamGambhir. No doubt you will make India proud.”

Very proud of you @<!---->G<!---->a<!---->u<!---->t<!---->a<!---->m<!---->G<!---->a<!---->m<!---->b<!---->h<!---->i<!---->r. No doubt you will make India proud. @<!---->K<!---->K<!---->R<!---->i<!---->d<!---->e<!---->r<!---->s h<!---->t<!---->t<!---->p<!---->s<!---->:<!---->/<!---->/<!---->t<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->/<!---->F<!---->E<!---->9<!---->f<!---->V<!---->S<!---->8<!---->C<!---->6<!---->d

— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->1<!---->0<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Meanwhile, Gambhir congratulated Dravid and his support staff for their exemplary work with the Indian team. The new head coach also said that cricket has been his passion, and he is looking forward to working closely with the BCCI, NCA head VVS Laxman, the support staff, and the Indian players to achieve success in the upcoming tournaments.

Gambhir added: “I have always taken pride in donning the Indian jersey during my playing days, and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role.”