The Kolkata team’s mentor, Gautam Gambhir, shared a special picture with the team’s co-owner Shahrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2024 game against Bengaluru, which will be played on March 29, Friday. The heartwarming photograph also included Gautam Gambhir’s wife, Natasha Gambhir, with everyone wearing bright smiles. The mentor of Kolkata’s team captioned the post with, “Some bonds are forever,” highlighting the enduring connection between him and Shahrukh. Gambhir, after a two-year mentorship role with the Lucknow Super Giants, returned to the franchise in a new capacity as their mentor.
Under the mentorship of Gambhir, Kolkata registered an emphatic win in their first match of the IPL 2024 as they defeated Hyderabad by 4 runs in a closely-contested thriller. Kolkata turned back the clock at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as Andre Russell smashed 64 runs from 25 deliveries to take KKR’s total from 105 for 5 to 208 for 7. Sunil Narine also returned to his vintage self as he was the most economical bowler for KKR in a high-scoring match as he gave away just 19 runs in 4 overs and also took a wicket. With Gambhir inside the dugout, tracking the game closely and 2 of Kolkata’s veteran players being vital cogs for their team’s win. IPL 2024 Full Coverage | Points Table
SRK’S LOVE FOR KKR
Shahrukh also charmed the fans with his infectious presence at the stadium. He waved and gave a flying kiss to the fans, who chanted his name during the match. Ever since the inaugural edition of the league in 2008, Shahrukh has often marked his attendance to show his support for the team. Bollywood’s superstar was really happy with his team’s performance and also clicked a picture with Rinku Singh and his family after Kolkata’s win.
In fact, Shahrukh had a huge role to play in bringing back former Kolkata captain, Gambhir, back to the team. Shahrukh’s franchise lifted 2 IPL titles under the leadership of Gambhir in 2012 and 2014. The franchise will look to continue their winning run in the season as they take on Bengaluru at their home ground. In an exciting match-up, Gambhir will meet Kohli yet again, after their encounter in IPL 2023.
