The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have clinched their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling final at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The victory marks KKR’s first championship since their back-to-back wins in 2012 and 2014, both under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.
Gambhir’s arrival at KKR in 2011 was a turning point for the franchise, transforming them from underdogs into a formidable powerhouse. His tenure as captain saw the team rise to new heights, culminating in two IPL titles. However, ahead of the 2018 IPL auction, Gambhir left KKR to join the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), before retiring from all forms of cricket after a single season.
Post-retirement, Gambhir served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons. His return to KKR as a mentor for the 2024 season was widely seen as a move that could propel the team back to championship glory. This belief was validated with KKR’s triumphant win this season.
Following the epic victory, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan reportedly presented Gambhir with a blank cheque, urging him to stay with the franchise for at least another decade, at any price he desired. Gambhir’s return has been hailed as a masterstroke, reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s enduring legacy with the Chennai Super Kings.
Gautam Gambhir, a key member of the Indian Cricket Team from 2003 to 2016, has an estimated net worth of Rs 205 crore, according to Sportskeeda. His international cricket career began with an ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2003, followed by a Test debut against Australia in 2004. Gambhir played crucial roles in India’s victories in the 2007 World Twenty20 and the 2011 Cricket World Cup finals. Over his career, he played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is, with impressive batting averages of 41.95, 36.98, and 27.41, respectively.
In addition to his cricketing earnings, Gambhir transitioned into a part-time commentator post-retirement, earning around Rs 1.5 crore annually. He also endorses brands such as CricPlay, a fantasy gaming platform, and Redcliffe Labs, a diagnostic centre, contributing to his annual income.
Gambhir’s substantial earnings have allowed him to invest in several high-end assets. He owns a luxurious mansion in Delhi valued at Rs 20 crore, and two other properties in Old Rajinder Nagar and Karol Bagh worth approximately Rs 15 crore combined. His collection of luxury cars includes an Audi Q5, BMW 530D, Toyota Corolla, and a Mahindra Bolero Stinger.
