'IPL Not About Bollywood, After Party': Gautam Gambhir's 'Serious' Message To KKR Ahead Of IPL 2024

Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, which begins on March 22, Kolkata Knight Riders the coach Gautam Gambhir gives a direct message to his players. During a Star Sports conversation, Gambhir clarified that this competition (IPL) provides a fantastic chance for young players to demonstrate their abilities in the "toughest league in the world," they should perform here for themselves and the team and not for the cause of Bollywood or the post-match celebrations.

Focus should be purely on the game -

The former Indian batter, who captained KKR to the IPL title in 2012 and 2014, added that since the league is most similar to international cricket, there is more pressure on players and teams to do well.

I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me, a serious cricket. It's not about Bollywood, it's not about you, it's not about after party and stuff. It's about going out there and playing competitive cricket and that's the reason why I feel is the toughest league in the world because it is proper cricket.
~Gambhir said

It is probably closest to international cricket as compared to any other league and if you want to be known as a successful franchise, you should be able to deliver on the cricket field. ~he added

Last year KKR failed to reach the playoffs and finished in the seventh position. Gambhir said that the players need to work hard for the loyal fanbase of the team.

I think there are very passionate fans. We need to be honest with them. We need to try and probably bring that happiness to their smiles because I've always believed I think the most loyal fans have been fans from Kolkata because they've gone through a lot in the first three years of the IPL.
~Gambhir said