Want to be a mentor to young cricketers, absolutely fine with joining any franchise: Gambhir

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS shocked one and all when they did not mention the name of Gautam Gambir in the list of retained players, earlier this month. The India veteran, who led the franchise to two titles, will be a part of the Players’ Auction in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28.

Gambhir has stated that he only wants to be a senior statesman and be a part of the team where he can mentor youngsters. As reported by PTI, the southpaw reckoned that he is willing to join any of the eight franchises, in the upcoming season.

“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. 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.”

Gambhir conceded that it will be difficult for him to not don the purple jersey again.

“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. There are no hard feelings at all, may be there are fresh challenges waiting for me. I will be glad to accept them and turn things around. Lets see what happens.”

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