REVEALED: The reason why KKR didn’t purchase Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir

Internet Desk: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opted not to use their Right to Match (RTM) card to retain star left-hander Gautam Gambhir at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in Bengaluru on Saturday. Kings XI Punjab acquired the services of Yuvraj at his base price of Rs 2 crore after no other franchise showed any interest in the World Cup winner. Gambhir, who led Kolkata to two IPL titles, was picked up by the Delhi Daredevils for Rs. 2.80 crore after KXIP stopped bidding at Rs 2.60 crore.

Gambhir played for DD from 2008 to 2010. He then was taken over by KKR from 2011, making him the highest paid cricketer in the history of IPL then. Since he has been an integral part of the franchise.  He became the second highest run-scorer of the inaugural season with 534 runs from 14 matches. He was promoted to the post of captain of the DD for IPL 2010. At the end of the tournament he became the only player from DD to score more than 1000 runs in the IPL.

Later KKR CEO Venky Mysore clarified the reason behind not retaining the most successful skipper the club had ever had in their history. He said, “We told him that he is in our plans and we would like to sign him by using the RTM card. But he told us that he wanted a fresh challenge and we never wanted to come between his challenge and him. He is a fantastic player and I am sure Delhi has been thrilled to sign him. We wish him all the best.”