Gautam Gambhir had enjoyed immense success for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His excellent leadership quality was known to the world after leading the franchise to two IPL titles win. KKR CEO Venky Mysore has said that former KKR player had a huge impact on the team. As per him, Gautam Gambhir fitted really well in KKR’s scheme of things which helped the franchise to reach the top.
Gautam Gambhir was immediately made the captain after being bought by the Kolkata-based franchise in 2011. He led the team to the playoff in IPL 2011 and in the following season, Gambhir’s outstanding skills lead the KKR to lift their maiden IPL title victory. Under his leadership, the franchise second time grabbed the hand on the coveted trophy in 2014.
Gautam Gambhir was a terrific leader: Venky Mysore
Venky Mysore revealed that Gautam Gambhir’s attitude in the field made him great. As per him, the former cricketer was ‘extremely intelligent, very smart, great instincts, and a terrific leader.’ Gambhir doesn’t believe in showing aggression and flaunting his achievements but was ‘an understated and quiet person,’ said Mysore.
“I think he fitted in perfectly what we were trying to accomplish a franchise, which was about KKR. It’s not about an individual, it’s not about superstars and what not. That’s his personality as well,” Venky Mysore said in the latest episode of ‘The RK Show’ uploaded on Youtube.
“He’s somebody who’s extremely intelligent, very smart, great instincts, and a terrific leader. That leadership is something that manifested itself on the field. It’s not about making noise and various other things outside of it. He was a very understated, quiet person.”
Gambhir brings best out of players: Mysore
Gambhir was a different character when he entered the field, as per KKR CEO. He used to lead the team from the front without showing much anger. Mysore said that former KKR skipper was a man of few words and not a speech giver.
“We used to have breakfast and coffee or chat about things, or sitting next to each other on flights, have a chat. But on the field, his intensity would change, the switch would go on, and his best instincts as a player and leader came on. That is the kind of personality people follow,” he added.
“He commanded that. He did not have to make too much noise. He was not a speech-giver. Just a man of few words. He fitted really well with what we wanted in KKR.
Mysore noted another great quality of Gambhir. He said that the IPL winner would bring the best out of the players in his team.
“Gautam would bring the best out of people in the team. It was a fantastic seven years, and I cherish this relation. I still have a great relationship with him and his family,” Mysore signed off.
In IPL 2018, Gambhir shifted his base to Delhi Capitals from KKR before retiring a few months later.