/sky247-english/media/agency_attachments/u8Dd4hyaH0mQGXmyg0Eo.png)
/sky247-english/media/media_files/oXHoxgPA7CrylmMTcwp1.jpg)
Follow Us/sky247-english/media/media_files/4NuLsGomULXvcAZlYraL.png)
Gautam Gambhir (Source: X)
Former India cricketer and Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir has decided to stay away from active politics in order to prioritise cricket. With the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) around the corner, Gambhir has requested Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Jagat Prakash Nadda to relieve him of his political duties.
/sky247-english/media/media_files/L36rCpmHRJkAgRgNCcLd.jpg)
The unsung hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph is set to begin a new chapter with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their mentor in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league. Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah for giving him the opportunity, the 42-year-old said he wanted to focus on the sport he passionately played before entering politics.
"I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodiji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!" tweeted Gambhir on X.
I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024
The former India opener joined the BJP in March 2019 and since then he has been balancing his political duties with his cricketing commitments. Gambhir is a prominent face of the party in Delhi, having won the East Delhi seat with a significant margin of 6,95,109 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Gambhir returns to his den
Gambhir is returning to his beloved franchise in the role of mentor for IPL 2024. Having won two titles for KKR in 2012 and 2014, the southpaw is a legend of the Kolkata-based franchise. Apart from his captaincy, Gambhir's batting prowess also played a crucial role in KKR's success. Notably, they haven't tasted success since 2014, but with Gambhir's return, the franchise is hoping for a better season this time around.
"I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is different. This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again,” Gambhir on his return to KKR as mentor.