Kolkata Knight Riders captain Nitish Rana teased a possible return for Gautam Gambhir to KKR with a social media post today (September 21).
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Gambhir, who has served as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in the last two editions of the Indian Premier League, has had a highly successful relationship with the Kolkata Knight Riders previously.
Gambhir, as captain, led KKR to two IPL trophies in the span of three years – between 2012 and 2014, the only two IPL trophies that KKR have won. Earlier this year, there were reports that Gambhir might be eyeing a comeback to KKR in a coaching capacity. A couple of social media posts by him and the current KKR captain Nitish Rana have sparked the rumours once again.
Gambhir posted a photo with Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, who is also the owner of KKR, earlier today (September 21), showing his admiration for him.
He’s not just the king of Bollywood but the king of hearts. Every time we meet I go back with endless love and respect . So much to learn from u . Simply the best ❤️❤️ SRK @iamsrk pic.twitter.com/VcMV1QahUq
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 21, 2023
Rana, who led KKR in IPL 2023 in the absence of regular captain Shreyas Iyer, commented on Gambhir’s post, hinting at a possible “homecoming”.
True kings in their own fields! 👑 👑
Could this be a sign of a homecoming? Just wondering 💭 https://t.co/Rcg8GkqmJn
— Nitish Rana (@NitishRana_27) September 21, 2023
Lucknow Super Giants, however, responded to Rana’s post with a meme referencing the popular Indian daily soap “Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” where the lead character of the show, Jethalal, scolds a child telling him to not fool around.
Nitish bhai… 🙄 pic.twitter.com/VquRP7lMX0
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) September 21, 2023
There have already been a few movements in the backroom staff for the Lucknow Super Giants with Justin Langer replacing Andy Flower as the head coach and former India cricketer and selector MSK Prasad being named as the Strategic Consultant.