New Delhi: Former India opener and KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir is back again in the Indian Premier League as he has been appointed as the mentor of the new Lucknow franchise ahead of IPL 2022.
One of the successful captains in the history of the cash-rich league Gambhir guided Kolkata Knight Riders to two titles – in 2012 and 2014. Gambhir had moved on from the KKR in 2018 and joined Delhi Daredevils, where he had an unforgettable outing before retirement.
But now, starting a new campaign, Gambhir reckoned that he is very excited “Thanks a lot to Dr. Goenka and the RPSG Group for presenting me this wonderful opportunity in their setup. The fire to win a contest still burns bright inside me, the desire to leave a winner’s legacy still kicks me 24×7. I will not be contesting for a dressing room but for the spirit and soul of Uttar Pradesh,” Gambhir said on his appointment.
The Lucknow IPL franchise has appointed Gautam Gambhir as team mentor.
Andy Flower had been named as head coach yesterday https://t.co/vrZa1TH9Dg pic.twitter.com/0MiaV580md
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 18, 2021
The Sanjeev Goenka-owned Lucknow franchise, which is yet to be named, is one of the new teams in the IPL along with Ahmedabad.
Goenka welcomed Gambhir into the RPSG family. “Yes, we have taken him. Gautam has an impeccable career record. I respect his cricketing mind and look forward to working with him,” Goenka was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.
The decision follows the announcement of former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as the franchise’s new head coach ahead of the IPL auction.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the new Lucknow franchise and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Since my very first tour to India in 1993, I have always loved touring, playing, and coaching in India,” said Flower in a statement. Along with Flower and Gambhir, it was reported that Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul is also expected to move to the Lucknow franchise.
Breaking #AndyFlower and #SanjeevGoenka first reactions on Flowers appointment as head coach. Flower says incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity. Goenka says Flower has left a mark on cricket. Listen in for details. @RevSportz @ThumsUpOfficial @SahanRoy @rpsggroup pic.twitter.com/XfgHn6RI4T
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 17, 2021
The Goenka-led RP-SG Group had bid Rs 7090 crore to own the Lucknow franchise. Goenka had previously also been part of the IPL franchise the Rising Pune Supergiant which had been part of the IPL for two years (2016-2017) when Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals had been banned for their roles in the spot-fixing saga in the tournament.
