Lalit Modi, the former commissioner of the Indian Premier League, has urged Kolkata Knight Riders to go all out to bring Gautam Gambhir back into the franchise setup. His remarks arrive during a difficult stretch for the three-time champions in the IPL 2026, where the Ajinkya Rahane-led side are still searching for their first win in the tournament’s 19th edition. The pressure is so intense that Eden Gardens is also reportedly not drawing capacity crowds.
- KKR have already suffered defeats against Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
- The match versus Punjab Kings was left unfinished due to rain and was abandoned.
- Modi pointed out that a large share of KKR’s past success has come during periods when Gambhir has been involved with the team.
- He reminded readers that Gambhir won two IPL titles with KKR as a captain, and that the franchise secured its third trophy after Gambhir returned as a mentor in 2024.
Modi’s comments also reference the wider timeline of Gambhir’s association with KKR. Gambhir later stepped away from the role after being appointed head coach of the Indian men’s team. Since then, KKR’s form has been inconsistent, and sections of the franchise’s supporters have been calling for his return to the management.
Modi’s call for Gambhir’s return
Modi said he agreed with a fan’s view that KKR are “nothing” without Gambhir, and argued that the team management should try to lure the current India head coach back using a strong incentives package.
In a post on X, Modi wrote that the KKR management should do “whatever” it takes to bring Gambhir back, including offering him stock-related and equity-style options similar to the way Shane Warne was given such benefits. He also suggested that Gambhir should not be limited by the player auction purse, and that he should be positioned as a central “face” of the team—adding that Gambhir should serve as the franchise’s main global strategist, insisting no one would be better for the job.
Modi further argued that any plan to rope Gambhir back must come with genuine authority. He called for “zero interference” from the owners, saying Gambhir should have the freedom to run the team the way he wants, and that the focus should shift from individual owners to professional management.
He said the IPL’s next stage should prioritize fan engagement, expectations, and overall matchday experience. Modi also claimed that owners should be able to watch games from their boxes, while global talent should be hired to manage franchise operations. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of corporate governance, even if his suggestion is unlikely to be welcomed by everyone, and referenced the growing influence of corporate entities in the league’s ecosystem.
KKR’s IPL 2026 position and next match
As things stand, KKR are placed ninth in the points table. The team have managed only one point from four matches, underlining the struggles that have fueled the calls for Gambhir’s return.
KKR’s next assignment will be against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, April 14.
