Gambhir’s tenure as the captain of KKR witnessed unprecedented success, with two IPL titles under his stewardship. However, beyond the boundaries of the cricket field, Gambhir shares a profound connection with the franchise’s owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Amidst the recent turmoil surrounding the heated exchange between Lucknow Super Giants’ owner Sanjiv Goenka and skipper KL Rahul, Gambhir’s revelations about his relationship with Shah Rukh Khan shed light on the importance of trust and camaraderie in the world of cricket franchises.
As Gambhir steps into the role of mentor for KKR once again in 2024, reminiscing about his past associations with the franchise and its illustrious owner becomes inevitable. Gambhir’s stint as the team mentor for Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023 might have offered new experiences, but his heart seems to have always been with KKR, where he found not just success but also unwavering support from Shah Rukh Khan.
In a recent interview with Sportskeeda, Gambhir poured accolades on Shah Rukh Khan, emphasizing that, for him, SRK stands out as the best owner he has ever worked with. What sets Shah Rukh Khan apart, according to Gambhir, is not just his humility but also his grounded nature, which reflects in his hands-off approach towards cricketing matters.
“I have a fabulous relationship with him. For me, he is the best owner I have worked with. And the reason is not just that he is humble, he is pretty grounded,” Gambhir expressed.
Gambhir’s praise for Shah Rukh Khan extends beyond mere words. He attributes a significant portion of KKR’s success to the trust and freedom bestowed upon him by the owner. Unlike some other team owners who might micromanage or interfere with cricketing decisions, Gambhir asserts that Shah Rukh Khan maintains a respectful distance, allowing the team management to operate autonomously.
“I don’t think he has ever interfered in cricketing matters, and it is a very big thing for someone like me because you get the freedom of decision-making. You have the freedom and trust that whatever decision I take, I know he’s going to back me,” Gambhir remarked.
This trust, Gambhir emphasizes, has been instrumental in KKR’s triumphs over the years. From clinching the IPL trophy in 2012 to repeating the feat in 2014, Gambhir’s captaincy and the unwavering support from Shah Rukh Khan formed the bedrock of KKR’s success story.
“My relationship with him is fantastic and not just now but since I first joined KKR in 2011,” Gambhir reminisced, highlighting the enduring nature of their bond.
For Gambhir, KKR transcends the realm of sports; it’s an emotion, fueled by the trust and camaraderie shared between him and Shah Rukh Khan. This emotional connection, grounded in mutual respect and confidence, has fortified their partnership and laid the foundation for KKR’s legacy in the IPL.
“It’s the trust between us because I know he will never involve himself in cricketing matters, and he knows that any decision I take will be in the best interests of the team and not for anything else,” Gambhir affirmed, underlining the essence of their relationship.
In a cricketing landscape often characterized by conflicts of interest and power struggles, Gambhir’s revelation about his harmonious association with Shah Rukh Khan serves as a refreshing reminder of the values that underpin successful cricket franchises – trust, integrity, and mutual respect.
As Gambhir assumes his new role as mentor for KKR in 2024, his journey comes full circle, reuniting him with the team and owner who have been instrumental in shaping his cricketing career. With Shah Rukh Khan’s unwavering support and Gambhir’s astute leadership, KKR continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the IPL, guided not just by talent but by the enduring bond between a captain and his trusted owner.