Sports · Cricket · 1 day ago
Iyer says Gambhir set high standards in KKR’s 2024 title-winning season
Venkatesh Iyer says Gautam Gambhir set demanding standards at Kolkata Knight Riders during their 2024 Indian Premier League campaign.
Gambhir returned to KKR as a mentor that year, after leading the team to titles in 2012 and 2014.
Iyer recalled that batters stayed padded up and ready to take the field, even while the opening pair was still batting.
Players were expected to contribute and speak up, and Gambhir encouraged Iyer to offer honest feedback on how the team could improve.
Iyer said Gambhir also made clear that a player's value did not depend on batting position or the number of balls faced.
That approach helped KKR draw contributions across the team, and the franchise won its third IPL title by beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
Gambhir has since left KKR and is serving as India's head coach.
Venkatesh Iyer said Gautam Gambhir set high standards in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning 2024 IPL campaign.
Iyer said Gambhir expected players to take responsibility, improve the team and give honest feedback.
He recalled that players stayed ready to bat and that Gambhir made them feel important even when their roles changed.
KKR won its third IPL title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
- Who
- Venkatesh Iyer described Gautam Gambhir’s influence on Kolkata Knight Riders.
- What
- Iyer said Gambhir set high standards and fostered a team culture in which players stayed ready and felt valued.
- When
- During KKR’s 2024 IPL title-winning campaign.
- Where
- In the KKR dressing room and dugout.
- Why
- Gambhir wanted players to contribute, take responsibility and help the team improve.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Gambhir mentored KKR as the team made players responsible for contributing and staying ready to bat.
KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to win its third IPL title.
- KKR titles
- Three IPL titles
- Title-winning campaign
- 2024
- Final opponent
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Gambhir’s role
- KKR mentor in 2024
3 sources
What people are saying
He would tell me that you are a senior player in the team. You have to think about how the team can improve. You have to be brave enough to give your feedback, tell us what you feel and point out what can be done better
There was no fear. And there was no place for mediocrity in that dressing room. You can’t play a mediocre shot or a false stroke and come sit next to him. You can’t do that.