Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are abuzz with a sense of homecoming in 2024 as they welcome back their former captain Gautam Gambhir in a mentoring role and open their doors for the return of Manish Pandey. Pandey, who previously donned KKR colors for four seasons until 2017, expressed his joy at rejoining the franchise, emphasizing the sense of belonging and gratitude for the opportunities KKR provided him earlier in his career.
“Coming back after six years… 2017 was the last time we played. Coming back to KKR feels really good, feels like home. Spent four years here so KKR as a franchise has given me a lot in terms of my career, and in return what we have given to KKR is also our utmost effort and a trophy. Obviously, it feels very good coming back home, and with Gauti bhai as mentor coming back is also very special because we have a great history before, we’ve won the IPL before. So it feels good,” Pandey said.
Reflecting on his successful stint with KKR, Pandey highlighted the memorable 2014 season when the team rallied from a slow start to clinch the IPL title. He attributed their success to a collective attitude of resilience and fearlessness on the field, underscoring the importance of replicating such a mindset in the upcoming season.
“2014 was a year where KKR didn’t start well. We lost a few games in the middle. We then came back, we reunited, that was the fire that was needed. Then we won 7 successive games and then we ended up winning the championship as well. “I think sometimes it is luck, but I think more than luck it is attitude that everybody gets on the field on the given day. That was a really good patch for us as a team, everyone was chipping in and it was lovely for me to finish the season with that kind of a performance. Getting that fearlessness on the field would be great, if we can do that all 11 players collectively then we should be able to take this team through to knockouts first, and then play well from there to win the IPL,” Pandey said.
Pandey also expressed his delight at reuniting with Gambhir, praising the former captain’s leadership and influence on the team’s success in the past. He acknowledged the competition for spots in the middle-order but remained optimistic about earning his place through consistent performances in practice matches.
With a fresh start at KKR, Pandey is determined to make the most of his opportunities and contribute to the team’s success in the IPL 2024 season.