NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket icon
Gautam Gambhir
, now at the helm of Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor in the ongoing Indian Premier League season, recently shared poignant memories from his tenure with the franchise.
In a heartfelt video shared by KKR in their social media platform, Gambhir recalled a memorable moment during a clash against
Sourav Ganguly
's
Pune Warriors
, highlighting the unwavering support he received from the Kolkata faithful.
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As KKR continued their successful campaign this season, Gambhir took a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his arrival at the franchise in 2011 and the transformation from a Delhi cricketer to a cherished figure in Kolkata. Amidst the highs and lows, Gambhir vividly recounted a pivotal encounter against Pune Warriors at
Eden Gardens
.
In the midst of the match, with Ganguly leading Pune and Gambhir at the helm of KKR, the stadium was a canvas of divided loyalties, split between light blue for Pune and KKR's signature purple. Gambhir, facing the weight of expectations and media scrutiny, shared a touching anecdote from the pre-match build up.
"Look, Kolkata has given me so much love. I remember replacing Sourav Ganguly as a captain... a lot of people said that I might not get the reception, and I might not be accepted by the people of Kolkata. I remember one game we were playing against Pune Warriors where Sourav was leading Pune and I was captaining KKR and probably half the Eden Gardens was light blue and half was purple," Gambhir said.
"There was a lot of media hype and there are a lot of articles that Bengal will be divided after partition for the first time. Sourav Ganguly leading Pune and then me leading KKR," Gambhir added.
WATCH:
Leaving the team hotel for the match, Gambhir was approached by a hotel staff member who offered words of reassurance and solidarity. Gambhir recalled the staff member's heartfelt message: "Whatever the media says, whatever happens, KKR is our team and we will support KKR till our last drop of blood, and we will back you. Go out there and play."
These words of encouragement resonated deeply with Gambhir, fortifying his resolve to lead his team to victory.
In a testament to the special bond between KKR and Kolkata, Gambhir emphasized the profound impact of such gestures of support on his seven-year journey with the franchise. Despite the initial uncertainties, Gambhir found strength in the unwavering backing of the Kolkata fans.
Reflecting on the match against Pune Warriors, Gambhir expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and acknowledged its pivotal role in their success. "Fortunately, we were able to win that game," he recounted, underscoring the significance of Kolkata's steadfast support.
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