NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir's leadership played a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders' rise to prominence, as the franchise secured two IPL titles under the former India opener's captaincy, who is back in the KKR set-up in his new role as a mentor.
Known for his ability to revitalise struggling teams, Gambhir's tenure with KKR began during the fourth season of the IPL in 2011.
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Taking charge after the team's lackluster performances in the initial editions of the league, Gambhir guided them to the knockout stages in his first year as captain. Subsequently, between 2012 and 2014, KKR clinched two IPL titles under his leadership.
Following KKR's recent setbacks with seventh-place finishes in the past two seasons, Gambhir's return is anticipated to infuse renewed vigor and discipline into the squad.
1/8:Top 5 players with most centuries in a single IPL season
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2/8:Virat Kohli in IPL 2016
<p>Virat Kohli's phenomenal performance in IPL 2016 saw him score a record 4 centuries for Royal Challengers Bangalore, amassing a total of 973 runs in 16 matches at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03.</p>Getty Images
3/8:Jos Buttler in IPL 2022
<p>Jos Buttler equaled Kohli's record of 4 centuries in a single IPL season during the 2022 edition, scoring a total of 863 runs in 17 matches for Rajasthan Royals with an average of 57.53 and a strike rate of 149.05.</p>Getty Images
4/8:Chris Gayle in IPL 2011
<p>Chris Gayle showcased his dominance in IPL 2011 by smashing 2 centuries for Royal Challengers Bangalore, accumulating 608 runs in 12 matches at an astonishing average of 67.33 and a strike rate of 183.13.</p>Getty Images
5/8:Shane Watson in IPL 2018
<p>Shane Watson made a significant impact in IPL 2018 with 2 centuries for Chennai Super Kings, contributing 555 runs in 15 innings at an average of 39.64 and a strike rate of 154.59, helping CSK clinch the title.</p>Getty Images
6/8:Hashim Amla in IPL 2017
<p>Hashim Amla displayed his class in IPL 2017 with 2 centuries for Kings XI Punjab, scoring a total of 420 runs in 10 innings at an average of 60 and a strike rate of 149.14, proving his adaptability in T20 cricket.</p>Getty Images
7/8:Kohli vs Buttler
<p>Both Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler hold the record for the most centuries in a single IPL season, with each player scoring 4 centuries in their respective seasons of IPL 2016 and IPL 2022.</p>Getty Images
8/8:Two hundred scorers
<p>Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, and Hashim Amla stand out as players who have scored 2 centuries in a single IPL season, showcasing their exceptional batting prowess and consistency.</p>Getty ImagesAhead of IPL 2024, Gambhir spoke to the media and picked the former KKR star Ryan Ten Doeschate as the ‘greatest team man' he has ever come across.
“When I talk about selflessness, I have never said this in 42 years of my career, and I wanted to say this. The greatest team man I have ever played with, the most selfless human being, someone I can take a bullet for, someone who I can trust for life, and I can tell you this because in 2011, for my first game as a KKR captain, we only had four overseas players available, and this man had a fabulous 50-over World Cup. We went in that game with only three overseas players, and he was carrying drinks in that game with no disappointment on his face. He taught me selflessness. Ryan ten Doeschate. These are the people who made me the leader," Gambhir revealed.
During the event, Gambhir also said: "I did not make Kolkata Knight Riders successful, it was KKR that made me a successful leader."
