Reports: Gautam Gambhir speculated to be a part of Kings XI Punjab

They already have Mike Hesson as their head coach.

Published - 12 Dec 2018, 14:49 IST | Updated - 12 Dec 2018, 14:49 IST

2 Min Read

A week ago, left-handed batsman Gautam Gambhir made the announcement of his retirement from all forms of cricket. He started playing first class cricket back in 1999 and his illustrious career spanned approximately a couple of decades. Apart from his glorious journey for India, he also has expertly plied his trade in the prestigious and cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

After playing three seasons for Delhi Daredevils (DD), the 37-year-old was appointed as the skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and he helped the franchise to a couple of title victories. However, the Knights released him ahead of the erstwhile edition and he was back to his previous franchise- the Daredevils. The Delhi based team made him the captain and rightly so.

A new beginning for Gambhir?

Nevertheless, he couldn’t flourish for them and subsequently, he had to step down as the leader after only six matches. Later, he didn’t even get to play a match after he resigned. Following his stint with KKR and DD, speculations have sparked surrounding him joining Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), who are yet to win the championship with 2014 being their best season thus far in the T20 event.

The assumptions have been made based on a string of tweets from the Punjab franchise and Gambhir himself. They already have Mike Hesson as their head coach and hence, Gambhir can be roped in as a mentor, batting coach or any other role. The message started after Punjab tweeted for him after his retirement.

Punjab wrote, “End of a chapter, a new one begins! We wish you a great future ahead, @GautamGambhir! #ThankYouGambhir for the fond memories! Image Courtesy: @IPL,”

Here is Punjab’s first tweet

End of a chapter, a new one begins! 😢
We wish you a great future ahead, @GautamGambhir! 🙏🏽
#ThankYouGambhir for the fond memories! 👍🏽
Image Courtesy: @IPL pic.twitter.com/XoWrCMjLRs
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) December 4, 2018

Gambhir was quick to spot the wishes. He reverted and wrote, “Thanks team red for making it special. Let’s meet soon…@BCCI @BCCIdomestic,”

Here is Gambhir’s reply

Thanks team red for making it special. Let’s meet soon…@BCCI @BCCIdomestic
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 10, 2018

In the next tweet, Punjab showed their eagerness to have Gambhir. They wrote, “It is our pleasure. Waiting to see you cheer for our lions from the stands of the den! @GautamGambhir,”

Here’s Punjab’s final tweet

It is our pleasure. Waiting to see you cheer for our lions from the stands of the den! @GautamGambhir https://t.co/2pFlRbhiL6
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) December 11, 2018