On this day in 2011, veteran Gautam Gambhir became the most expensive player in IPL auction history. The Southpaw was bagged at a whopping cost of INR 11.04 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders. After struggling for the first three seasons of the IPL from 2008-2010, the KKR management decided to make some big decisions as they roped in some big names. Apart from Gautam Gambhir, the two-time champs also purchased the likes of Yusuf Pathan and Jacques Kallis as well.
Gautam Gambhir, who emerged as one of the heroes of India’s World Cup triumph that year, fetched a record price tag of $ 2.4 million and went on to lead the franchise to two titles in 2012 and 2014 and became synonymous with the franchise during his six-year association as a captain.
Gambhir back with KKR for IPL 2024
To note, Gautam Gambhir was a part of the Lucknow Super Giants in last year’s IPL. However, the senior pro is now back in the KKR camp and will mentor the Men in Purple and Gold for the next IPL edition.
“I am not an emotional person and not many things move me. But this is different,” Gambhir said in a statement. “This is back to where it all started. Today, there is a lump in my throat and fire in my heart as I think about slipping into that purple and gold jersey once again.”
