Watch: Gautam Gambhir Thanks KKR Fans, Expresses Excitement Over Delhi Daredevils Return

Gautam Gambhir’s addition to the Kolkata Knight Riders squad before the fourth season of the Indian Premier League completely changed the fortunes of the franchise.

After spending the first three seasons in the bottom half of the table, the franchise took some big calls before the fourth edition and bought Gambhir for a whopping amount of $2.4 million. Gambhir was appointed the captain of the team, and it turned out to be an inspired decision.

Under Gambhir’s captaincy, the Kolkata Knight Riders qualified for the IPL playoffs and also made it to the Champions League Twenty20 for the first time. In the following season, he led the side to their first title in 2012 by defeating defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Two years later, he led the team to their second title, making the Knight Riders one of the most successful teams in the leagues. Even in the last season, he led the side to a third-place finish in the league.

Gambhir was equally impressive with the bat. One of the most successful batsmen in the history of the league, Gambhir was the batting mainstay of the Knight Riders since joining the side. In the seven seasons, he scored 3,035 runs with the help of 27 half-centuries.

But despite transforming the team completely, the franchise surprisingly released the players and also did not buy him in the auction on Saturday (January 27). The southpaw was bought by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 2.80 crores by Delhi Daredevils for whom he played for the first three seasons.

Soon after being bought by Delhi, he took to Twitter to post a video, thanking the Kolkata Knight Riders fans and the team management for their support throughout his seven-year stay. At the same time, he also expressed his delight over returning to the place where his playing career started.

” Hi guys, just want to thank all the KKR fans for all the love and support they have shown in the last seven years. Without your support, whatever we have achieved would not have been possible. At the same time, I would thank the KKR camp for all the support as well,” he said.

“But from now on going forwards, it is always a great feeling coming back home. Coming back to a place from where I started everything. It’s a great feeling. Hopefully with the support of everyone, we can turn it around and make it a champion side. Happy to be back home.” he added.

Thanks @kkr for all d support. Will miss Kolkata and Eden. Now, time to try and turn it around for @DelhiDaredevils @IPL. Happy to be back… pic.twitter.com/Wx53ilU9ka

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 27, 2018