I respect the call KKR has taken, says Gautam Gambhir

Kolkata Knight Riders went ahead with all-rounders Andre Russell and Sunil Narine in the retention ceremony earlier this year leaving many dumbfounded by their decision to leave their skipper. Coming to the franchise back in 2011, the left-handed opener has led the side to the title twice in 2012 and 2014 and has amassed 4123 runs in 148 matches so far.

However, it hardly seems to have bothered Gambhir, who has stated that he understands KKR’s reasons not to retain him and will have no problem joining any franchise if KKR opt to let him go.

“Yes it will be, it will be tough as KKR gave a platform to express myself as a batsman, a leader, as a human. But at the end of the day I respect the call KKR has taken, they have some solid reasons behind the move which they have explained and I am fine with them,” Gambhir told TOI.

“There are no hard feelings at all, maybe there are fresh challenges waiting for me. A leader is as good as his team. So, in that case I was fortunate to have led KKR. My team is the real hero, I am not," added Gambhir.

With the mega-auction coming up, the uncertainty is coming back too, where as many as 578 players going under the hammer. However, Gambhir revealed that he isn’t as tensed as he was during the 2011 auction ahead of the World Cup.

"Back in 2011, I remember it was January and the only worry I had was whether I will be picked for the 50-over World Cup later that year or not. It was only on the day of the auction, I had a few butterflies in my tummy. Now, seven years later, I have a broader view to life and cricket," said Gambhir.

Gambhir has also expressed his willingness to take up the mentor role in the coming years.

"I am at a stage of my career where I want to be a senior statesman, a mentor to the younger cricketers. Whether that happens in KKR, Sunrisers, Delhi, Mumbai I am absolutely fine with it," he added.