Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (RCB) are struggling after losing three out of four matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR started with two losses against Mumbai Indians and one against Sunrisers Hyderabad before a defeat against Punjab Kings gave them their first point.
KKR could have claimed their first win of IPL 2026 against Lucknow Super Giants, but Mukul Choudhary’s blitzkrieg dulled the hearts of all Kolkatans with a last-ball win at the Eden Gardens. With just a point from four matches, KKR find themselves ninth in the points table, just above Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are yet to win a single match this season.
KKR’s downfall was taken seriously by former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Responding to a fan query on X (formerly Twitter), Modi emphasized the importance of having Gambhir in KKR, no matter the cost. Urging the franchise co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan to bring Gambhir back at any cost, Modi decided that the current India coach could be appointed as the “Chief Strategist”.
“I agree,” Modi wrote in response to a fan who wrote “I believe without the involvement of GG, KKR is nothing. Without the involvement of MSD, CSK is nothing.”
“That @GautamGambhir WITHOUT AN IOTA of doubt In my mind he was the BEST MAN for @KKRiders – the team management has to do ANYTHING and I say again WHATEVER TO woo him back,” said Modi, who ran the IPL for three years – 2008, 2009 and 2011.
‘Incentivise him’ – Lalit Modi tells KKR
Citing the example of Shane Warne getting an equity stake in Rajasthan Royals, Modi asked for the same for Gambhir in KKR. “Incentivize him. Like Shane Warne had stock options. Lock him up for a LONG TERM LONG TERM – GIVE him STOCK OPTIONS – I hope they’re smart about it,” he added.
Unlike Mumbai Indians (Rohit Sharma), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Virat Kohli) and Chennai Super Kings (MS Dhoni), no team in the IPL has a face as such. Calling Gambhir the face of KKR, Modi said, “He doesn’t belong in the Player Auction Purse – make him the face of the TEAM.”
“There must be a PLAYER FACE IN THE TEAM. Gautam should be the CHIEF STRATEGIST of Kkr GLOBAL. NO ONE BETTER,” he concluded. Gambhir was with KKR in all the three years the franchise won the IPL. While Gambhir single-handedly led KKR to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014 as captain, the former India cricketer mentored KKR as they won in 2024.
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