Gautam Gambhir requested us not to bid for him: Venky Mysore

If it is the IPL auction, you must expect a few shockers. Many cricket fans were shattered when Kolkata Knight Riders didn’t retain Gautam Gambhir for the 2018 IPL season. There were rumours about Gambhir being in the scheme of things and that the franchise will use the’ Right to match’ card option to get their most successful slipper back for the upcoming season.

But there was a twist in the tale when Delhi Daredevils snapped their homeboy for a bargain price of INR 2.8 crores. KKR Managing director Venky Mysore later clarified that it was Gambhir who requested the management not to bid for him as he eyed for new challenges.  Mysore wished Gambhir all the best for his future endeavours and thanked him at the same time for bringing laurels to the team for seven stunning years.

Gambhir insisted on moving on

“He was very much in our plans for the auctions via RTM. But he had a conversation with us well before. He felt that there might be a different challenge before (him), we don’t know what it was. And (he) requested if we would refrain from bidding from him or using Right To Match. And we said we would never come in the way of anyone’s progress or anyone’s aspirations… We’re sorry to see him go, seven great years,” he said.

A mentor’s role

Gambhir had earlier hinted at playing the role of a mentor for his home side. The left-hand batsman plays for Delhi in the domestic fixtures and has recently won a T20 title with the young guns.

“There are a lot of variables which have to go right to have a wishful auction. I can only say that I am happy to play anywhere the auction lands me whether it is Delhi or any other franchisee. It is a simple game — you can only control your bat in hand, thinking about the rest of the aspects can only add to your stress.” Gambhir told PTI

A special message from our CEO @venkymysore for former #Knight #GautamGambhir! #KorboLorboJeetbo #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/RmCSyEFMHv

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 27, 2018