Gautam Gambhir pays emotional tribute to KKR fans after becoming India head coach

Kolkata Knight Riders’ former mentor Gautam Gambhir wrote an emotional tribute to the franchise fans after becoming India’s head coach. Under Gambhir’s mentorship, KKR won their third IPL title in 2024.

Furthermore, Gambhir led KKR to two titles in IPL 2012 and 2014 as a leader. Gambhir is known to take the bull by its horns and played an instrumental role in KKR’s success.

However, as Gambhir has now taken over the coaching baton from Rahul Dravid for India’s senior team, he won’t be able to continue with his mentor’s role for KKR.

In the two-minute, 30-second-long video, Gambhir speaks about his bond with Kolkata and how he’s connected with the fans.

“Come Kolkata, let’s create some new legacies @kkriders @iamsrk @indiancricketteam. Dedicated to Kolkata and KKR fansâ€æSpecial thanks to Cricket Association of Bengal @cabcricket @kkriders,” wrote Gambhir while posting the video message on his Instagram handle.

“I smile when you smile. I cry when you cry. I win when you win. I lose, when you lose. I dream when you dream. I achieve when you achieve. I believe with you and I become with you I am you Kolkata, I’m just one of you. I know your struggles and I know where it hurts. The rejections have crushed me but like you, I wake up embracing hope. I get beaten every day but like you, I’m yet to be defeated.”

“They tell me to be popular, I tell them to be a winner. I am you, Kolkata I’m just one of you. This Kolkata air talks to me. The sounds, the streets here, the traffic jams. They all convey how you feel. I hear what you say, but I know what you mean. I know you’re emotional. So am I. I know you’re demanding. So am I. Kolkata, we are a bond. We are a story. We are a team,” said Gambhir in his video message.

The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be Gambhir’s maiden assignment as India’s head coach.