CHENNAI: Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders won both their titles under the captaincy of
Gautam Gambhir
, but this time as mentor, he once again proved to be a catalyst for them.
KKR laid their hands on the IPL trophy for the first time in 2012 at Chepauk, courtesy Gambhir, who was the key contributor to that glory as a captain and a batter. And, now 12 years later, Gambhir, will again be entering the same venue -
MA Chidambaram Stadium
- for the
IPL 2024
showdown, after orchestrating the team into the summit clash.
Commending Gambhir's expertise and tactics, KKR captain
Shreyas Iyer
said the 42-year-old former Indian opener adds a lot of cream to the team. "I feel that he has got immense knowledge about how the game is played. And his strategies have been spot on, in terms of what execution we have to make against a particular opponent. With his knowledge, hopefully, we'll continue with the same momentum in the final," said Iyer.
Gambhir, who is in contention for the India coach's job, also created a secure environment where the players were given enough leeway to perform.
Iyer
feels when young players are given the freedom and are backed in the dressing room, they tend to excel. "When these young guys come in, they are fearless in their approach. They want to go out there and perform. But then need the freedom. And when you back them during tough times, that's when they deliver the best. And when these guys step up at the right time, they see to it that they win matches for you," said Iyer.
I was struggling in the longer format: Iyer
Ahead of the IPL, Iyer was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. The Mumbai batter's absence from Ranji Trophy matches cost him a spot on the BCCI's central contract list for the 2024-25 season.
After an eventful ODI World Cup in December last year, Iyer said he had some issues and hence was unable to turn up for a few Ranji games.
"I was definitely struggling after the World Cup in the longer format. And when I raised my concern no one would agree to it. But at the same time, the competition is with me. When the IPL was approaching, all I wanted was to see to it that I put my best foot forward. And the transformation from red-ball cricket to white ball, it's kind of difficult as a batter. It was difficult at the start. But once you get used to it, I think you pick up the pace and match on with the other players," explained Iyer.
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