By KKR’s Homecoming with Gambhir and Pandey in 2024
Kolkata Knight Riders are experiencing a wave of nostalgia in 2024 as they welcome back their two-time IPL-winning captain Gautam Gambhir, now in a mentorship role, and the return of Manish Pandey to the squad. Pandey, who previously played for KKR from 2014 to 2017 before moving to Sunrisers Hyderabad, expressed his delight at rejoining the franchise where he enjoyed success.
“Coming back after six years… 2017 was the last time we played. Coming back to KKR feels really good, feels like home. Spent four years here so KKR as a franchise has given me a lot in terms of my career, and in return what we have given to KKR is also our utmost effort and a trophy. Obviously, it feels very good coming back home, and with Gauti bhai as mentor coming back is also very special because we have a great history before, we’ve won the IPL before. So it feels good,” Pandey said.
Despite playing for three other franchises since leaving KKR, Pandey’s most successful seasons with the bat came during his time with the Kolkata team. His top three seasons include two with KKR in 2014 and 2017, coinciding with KKR’s previous IPL title win. Pandey’s standout performance in the 2014 season culminated in a match-winning 94 off 50 balls in the final, helping KKR clinch their second IPL title.
Reflecting on that successful season, Pandey emphasized the importance of the team’s attitude and unity. “2014 was a year where KKR didn’t start well. We lost a few games in the middle. We then came back, we reunited, that was the fire that was needed. Then we won 7 successive games and then we ended up winning the championship as well.”
Pandey expressed his excitement about reuniting with Gautam Gambhir, under whose leadership KKR secured their 2014 IPL victory. “Gauti bhai has done wonders for KKR. We’ve always had a leader in him when he was playing, and now coming back as a mentor is kind of the same feeling. I am really happy that he’s there and that he’s going to be taking a lot of important calls for the team and he has done really well here as well.”
Looking ahead, Pandey acknowledged the competition for places in the KKR middle-order but is eager to make his mark. “It’ll be a start all over again for me. I’d love to do really well in the practice games we have. The kind of role that they will be giving me, I would want to stick to that and try to do my best so that if and when I have an opportunity, I’ll be able to grab it with both hands.”
As Pandey prepares for the upcoming season, his focus remains on contributing to KKR’s success and helping the team lift the IPL trophy once again.
