Gautam Gambhir made a winning return to Kolkata, helping Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2024 edition final in Chennai.
Gambhir became the first cricketer to win multiple IPL trophies as a player, captain, and team mentor. Life came full circle for Gambhir as he rejoined KKR ahead of IPL 2024 as a mentor and clinched his third cup with the franchise. After lifting the trophy as a player and a captain in 2012 and 2014, he held the coveted cup again after 10 years, but this time in a different capacity.
Apart from his own team’s stellar performances, Gambhir highlighted three other moments that stood out for him this season. Speaking exclusively on Sportskeeda ‘SK Match ki Baat’, Gambhir shared his favorite moments from the IPL 2024 season. In Gambhir’s words, these were the moments that defined the IPL 2024 season for him, “Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s opening partnership, Mayank Yadav’s spell & RCB’s comeback of six consecutive wins,”
Gambhir was particularly impressed with the opening partnership of SRH’s Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. The duo formed a destructive combination at the top of the order, setting the tone for SRH’s innings throughout the season. Their aggressive and consistent performances were a significant highlight for Gambhir.
The young speedster Mayank Yadav from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) caught Gambhir’s eye with his flair and raw pace. Mayank’s performances were marked by impressive spells that troubled even the best batsmen in the league. Gambhir noted Yadav’s potential and impact, marking him as one of the standout emerging talents of the season.
Gambhir also lauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) stunning comeback in the latter part of the season. RCB managed to win their final six games in a row to make it to the playoffs, showcasing resilience and determination. This incredible run was a testament to their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure.
