The Kolkata Knight Riders have adopted a fresh approach to cricket under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, which is reflected in their gameplay and has led to a notable shift in the team’s dynamics. Gambhir places a strong emphasis on results, underscoring the importance of working diligently to achieve success and aligning with fans’ desire to see KKR victories.
In a candid podcast discussion, Gambhir openly acknowledged the importance of results, a sentiment that has been reflected in KKR’s strong season performance so far. With four wins in six matches and only two losses, Gambhir's words are borne out by the team's impressive run on the field.
“I am quite transparent that results matter to me. I don’t believe in this notion of ‘Process’ or ‘Do the process right, and the results will take care of themselves’. For me, results are important, because people come to see KKR win.”
The comment was an indirect criticism of MS Dhoni, who has consistently emphasised the importance of process. "Take care of the process and the results will follow," Dhoni has said on numerous occasions.
Gambhir also praised KKR’s fans, describing them as one of the most loyal supporters in the country. Despite the team’s lacklustre performance, he commended the fans for their enduring passion.
Gambhir, a two-time IPL champion as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, assumed the role of mentor for the team ahead of the 17th season. His strong affinity for the Kolkata franchise has been evident not only in his words but also in memorable moments such as when he sprinted onto the field to embrace Sunil Narine after the southpaw achieved his first IPL century against the Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens.
KKR currently occupies second place in the standings, with the objective of securing a playoff spot after missing out on the past two seasons. They suffered a narrow 2-wicket loss against RR in a highly competitive match. Next, they will host RCB, one of their favoured opponents, in an exciting match at Eden Gardens Stadium.