Gautam Gambhir, the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders, expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's performance against Chennai Super Kings in the 2024 Indian Premier League. The two-time champions were outplayed by the hosts in all aspects of the game, resulting in KKR's first defeat of the season. The batters appeared clueless on the slow and turning track in Chennai.
Gambhir, who rarely displays his religious beliefs, visited Kolkata's renowned Kalighat temple before their upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Garden Stadium on Sunday, April 14.
The two-time champions shared a video of Gambhir seeking blessings, participating in the rituals, and receiving blessings from the temple priest, including 'Mata ki Chunri' and a garland.
জয় মা কালী 🌸
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 12, 2024
Jai Maa Kaali 🛕🙏 pic.twitter.com/W471jTBj98
On Thursday, April 11, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, and Varun Chakravarthy visited the famous temple.
মায়ের আশীর্বাদ যেন সর্বদা সঙ্গে থাকে, এই প্রার্থনা 🙏
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 11, 2024
Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakaravarthy at Kolkata's Kalighat Temple 🛕 pic.twitter.com/quN1fQ7007
During the ongoing 17th season, the players are engaging in spiritual rejuvenation.
After Mumbai Indians' three consecutive defeats, their captain Hardik Pandya prayed at the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat and hosted a bhajan session at his home with his brother, Krunal Pandya. As a result, Mumbai Indians won the next two games against Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Similarly, the players of Lucknow Super Giants visited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Meanwhile, KKR will play their next five games at home. Gambhir hopes to see improved performances from the players.