‘Not a long-term solution’: Ex-cricketer questions Gautam Gambhir’s strategy

Gautam Gambhir's influence on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) dressing room proved instrumental during their 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) championship. As a mentor, Gambhir established a culture where players were always ready to attack. Former KKR captain Venkatesh Iyer recounted how the team's batting order remained prepared to face the opposition from the second over itself.

Iyer described the atmosphere in the dugout, explaining how the team always maintained a competitive edge, with players eager to get an opportunity to face the opposition. Gambhir's presence instilled a sense of readiness in the batters, ensuring they were always prepared to take the field. Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, two of KKR's openers, would often sit with their pads on, keeping the other players on their toes.

Gambhir frequently communicated possible batting combinations from the dugout, leaving the players ready to pounce on any opportunity. Iyer emphasized that Gambhir's leadership fostered an environment where there was no place for mediocrity. The team's approach was driven by the confidence Gambhir gave them, ensuring they approached each match with a positive attitude and high standards.