IPL 2024: Gautam Gambhir considers Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan as 'The Best Team Owner', says, 'He never questioned my decision making'

Cricketer Gautam Gambhir considers Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan as the best.

Gautam Gambhir, a former captain and now mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), recently praised the team's co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, describing him as the best team owner he has worked with in the IPL. Gambhir shared his experiences during a discussion with Cyrus Broacha.

Gambhir explained that throughout his seven years as captain, he and Shah Rukh Khan seldom talked about cricket, except during a difficult period when Gambhir thought about stepping down due to poor form. He recalled, "I don’t think that in seven years of my captaincy, we’ve had a cricketing conversation for seven minutes, except for that patch which I was going through. At that time also, we had this conversation because I was actually on the verge of dropping myself."

Shah Rukh's advice during this time was pivotal. Gambhir said, "The only thing he told me was that, till you are here—and you will be here till you want to be here—you won’t be dropping yourself." This encouragement helped Gambhir regain his confidence and remain in the team.

Reflecting on Shah Rukh Khan's approach to team management, Gambhir appreciated his minimal interference and trust in his decision-making. "So, imagine someone as an owner, who himself has been such a big, great achiever not even talking about cricket, asking you about a single thing about your decision making… He trusted your decision making. I am not saying I have made all the right decisions in those seven years, but he never questioned because that’s the relationship, the trust he had in me," concluded Gambhir.

Gambhir’s anecdotes reveal a side of Shah Rukh Khan that resonates with many, including his actions off the field. Recently, during a KKR game, a video of Shah Rukh picking up discarded KKR flags from the VIP section went viral, showcasing his dedication and humility, which was widely praised.