Nitish Rana issues an official statement after Gautam Gambhir leaves KKR for India Head Coach Role

After Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, heartfelt congratulations and well wishes have been pouring in from across the cricketing fraternity. Among them to extend wishes was Nitish Rana, a key player for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rana played for KKR under Gambhir’s captaincy in the IPL and even won the trophy earlier this year when the 2011 World Cup winner was the mentor of the franchise. Well, after the much-anticipated news broke out, Rana took to social media to express his admiration and support for Gambhir.

Nitish Rana congratulates Gautam Gambhir on becoming India's head coach

The Delhi batter congratulated Gambhir on becoming Team India’s head coach and said that he really loves “GG mentality." Rana also said that his KKR family will really miss Gambhir in the IPL. Notably, Gambhir had captained KKR to two IPL titles as captain, returned to the side earlier this year as a mentor, and helped them clinch the IPL 2024 after more than a decade.

However, the former Indian opener’s return as KKR mentor was delayed for just one season, as he was offered the grand opportunity to coach the Indian cricket team, which he couldn’t deny, leaving his beloved franchise to serve his country for the second time now as the coach. BCCI announced Gambhir's appointment on July 9.

Sharing Gambhir’s heartfelt post on X, Nitish Rana said in his message: "Congratulations, Gauti Bhaiya, on becoming India's head coach. I love the GG mentality; we'll miss you at KKR 🇮🇳.🩵.”

Congratulations Gauti bhaiya on becoming India's head coach
Love the GG mentality we'll miss you at KKR 🇮🇳🩵 https://t.co/zmDeGytkkJ

— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) July 9, 2024

Gambhir's transition from being a mentor and influential figure at KKR to the high-profile role of India's head coach marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Known for his tactical acumen and relentless drive, Gambhir's winning mentality has been a cornerstone of his leadership style and it impressed many.

Gautam Gambhir shares a heartfelt post, as he embarks on a new journey

During his tenure at KKR, both as captain and mentor, Gambhir played a pivotal role in mentoring young talents and steering the team to success, including three IPL titles. His departure from KKR, as he steps into the national coaching role, will undoubtedly be felt by the franchise and the players.

Gambhir embarks on this new chapter, and Rana's tribute not only highlights the impact the former Indian opener has had at KKR but also reflects the excitement and optimism about his new role with the Indian team among the Indian cricket community.

Notably, Gambhir posted on X on his appointment: “India is my identity, and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honored to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been: to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians, and I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true.”

India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians… pic.twitter.com/N5YyyrhXAI

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 9, 2024

It is being said that Gambhir demanded from the BCCI his KKR colleague Abhishek Nayar as his batting assistant and Vinay Kumar as his bowling assistant, as he is ready to begin his tenure with Team India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka later this month.