Without Gautam Gambhir, KKR Lost Direction... Panic Set In: Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa says KKR lost direction after Gambhir left in 2017. His return in 2024 brought stability, leading to their third IPL title.
Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and India batter Robin Uthappa believes the franchise ‘lost direction’ and underwent a phase of ‘panic’ after Gautam Gambhir left the team in 2017.
Gambhir, a two-time IPL-winning captain with the franchise was credited for changing the team’s fortunes when he joined in 2011. KKR not only became competitive but also developed a vision and a clear tactical image of a side that dominated oppositions with spin expertise, creativity and fearlessness.
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He left them for his home side Delhi Capitals, who he captained briefly in IPL 2018. But things soon turned sour and the former India left-hander stepped down in the middle of the season and never played again. In IPL 2024, KKR signed him back as a team mentor and went on to win their third title.
“When Gautam was no longer with KKR, it felt like—where are the pieces going to settle?" Uthappa said on JioHotstar’s ‘Power Play’, as quoted by IANS. “Since his exit, there was a slight loss of direction. I think, at one point, panic set in. From the outside, you could sense that things weren’t as smooth as they seemed. You always expect KKR to perform at a high level, and when the performances didn’t match the team’s aura, it became evident that something had to change."
“As soon as I heard that Gautam Gambhir was coming back, I remember tweeting that the best thing to happen to KKR since Gautam Gambhir leaving, was Gautam Gambhir coming back!"
Team owner and Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan added: “I never thought Gautam Gambhir left us. There has always been a lovely relationship with Gautam over the years. There are a few players with whom friendships remain strong, and Gautam Gambhir is one of them. For him, it was a big homecoming."
However, Gambhir’s return at KKR was only limited to the 2024 season, as he was named India’s head coach in July last year. He’s currently leading the team’s staff in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
KKR, meanwhile, have roped in DJ Bravo as the mentor. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team in 2025 with Venkatesh Iyer as the vice-captain.
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