Shah Rukh Khan- “make it or break it, I will not interfere” to Gambhir before IPL’s fourth season in 2011


Shah Rukh Khan- “make it or break it, I will not interfere” to Gambhir before IPL’s fourth season in 2011

Gambhir Shah Rukh

Nine years after Gautam was handed over the captaincy of KKR, he revealed what team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan had told him before IPL’s fourth season in 2011. “This is your team, make it or break it. I will not interfere.” were the inspiring words of Shah Rukh.

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Gambhir on star sports show ‘Cricket connected’ said, “I just promised him one thing. I don’t know where it’s gonna happen but by the time I leave, whether it’s gonna be three years or six years, this franchise will be in a much better position.”

Of all current eight franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders had the most strong beginning for their IPL campaign. 2008 McCullum’s swashbuckling unbeaten 158 in the inaugural match made a remarkable moment. Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ being the team co-owner also helped in bringing KKR in limelight.

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KKR went for a complete makeover ahead of IPL 2011 after Ganguly’s failure. In came new players, a new support staff, a new approach, and above all a new captain in Gautam Gambhir.

Gambhir came fresh with winning the title in India-Sri Lanka WC in 2011. With new players like Yusuf Pathan, Jacques Kallis, and Sunil Narine, KKR accelerated them upwards. The goal was achieved in 2012 when Knight Riders beat Chennai Super Kings in the final to win their maiden IPL title.

Gambhir definitely left KKR after making it a better side. With two titles – in 2012 and 2014 – they are one of the best in IPL. Only after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings currently.

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Gambhir and raw talents like Sunil Narine, Suryakumar Yadav, Andre Russell made KKR an intimidating unit. Gambhir had scored 590 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 143.55 – his best ever in IPL. Ultimately, making KKR lift their maiden trophy in 2012.

In his KKR journey for seven seasons, he is the highest run-scorer with 3345 runs in 122 matches for them. Former team director praised him and said – “You don’t say that he’s captain cool, he’s the guy who will take a bullet for his players, he’s got all passion. So when you’re standing with Gautam, you’ll never stand alone. So that’s what we did with KKR”.

In 2018, Gambhir was replaced by India wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik. Under Karthik, KKR finished third in IPL 2018 but failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2019.

Also Read Dhoni is Mr. Cool but Gambhir would take a bullet for his players: Joy

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