KKR Called To Bring Back Gautam Gambhir Amid IPL 2026 Slump

Gautam Gambhir (Source: AFP)

The Indian Premier League 2026 has started on a disappointing note for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The team is now struggling badly, sitting at the bottom of the points table. In their first four matches, KKR have failed to win a single game, managing just one point from a rain-affected match.

Their campaign began with a six-wicket loss against the Mumbai Indians, followed by a heavy 65-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The third match against the Punjab Kings ended without a result due to rain. In the fourth match LSG won the match against KKR by 3 wickets.

With three defeats and 1 no-result, KKR is clearly lacking momentum and confidence. The sudden fall has surprised many, especially considering the team's success just two years ago. 

Injuries to players and poor form from some big names have further added to their troubles. However, to make things better in the future, KKR has received new advice.

Lalit Modi suggests Gautam Gambhir's return

Amid KKR's struggles, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has made a strong recommendation. He believes that Gautam Gambhir should be brought back into the KKR setup at any cost.

According to Lalit Modi, Gautam Gambhir has been the backbone of KKR’s success over the years and can play a role similar to MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings. He even suggested that the franchise should offer Gambhir long-term incentives, including stock options, to secure his return.

Lalit Modi's special advice for KKR

"That @GautamGambhir - without an iota of doubt in my mind - was the best person for @KKRiders. The team management needs to do whatever, and I say it again, whatever it takes to lure him back. Incentivise him, like Shane Warne had equity options,” he wrote. “Lock him in for a long, long term - give him stock options. I hope they are smart enough to do that. He does not fall within the player auction purse - get him to be the face of the team. There needs to be a player face of the team. Gautam should be KKR's main strategist globally. No one better," he added.

Lalit Kumar Modi

@LalitKModi

That I agree. That @GautamGambhir WITHOUT AN IOTA of Doubt In my mind he was the BEST PERSON for @KKRiders - the team management needs to do WHATEVER and I say it again WHATEVER IT TAKES To LURE him back. Incentivise him. Like Shane Warne had equity options. Lock him in for a

Gautam Gambhir's numbers for KKR

Gautam Gambhir had been the face of the Kolkata-based franchise and had a deep connection with it. As captain, he led the team to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. He later returned as a mentor in 2024 and played a crucial role in guiding KKR to another championship.

However, he later left to take up the role of head coach of the India, replacing Rahul Dravid.

In the IPL, Gambhir has scored 4217 runs in 154 matches at an average of 31.00 and a strike-rate of 123.88. For KKR, the former star player played 108 matches and scored 3035 runs at an average of 31.61 and a strike rate of 124.28.

While KKR fans will want to see his return to the franchise, it seems unlikely in the near future due to his commitments with the Indian team until 2027.

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