'No room for mediocrity': Venkatesh Iyer reveals how mentor Gautam Gambhir helped KKR in IPL 2024 title victory – sportingnews.com

Divy Dubey
Kolkata Knight Riders‘ third IPL title in 2024 was widely credited to their balanced squad, but inside the dressing room, another factor defined the campaign: Gautam Gambhir’s uncompromising standards.
Speaking on CricXtasy, Venkatesh Iyer opened up about the mentor’s role behind the scenes, describing a culture built on ruthless discipline, accountability, and winning intent.
For Iyer, Gambhir didn’t just return to KKR — he brought back the mindset that shaped the franchise’s earlier successes, demanding excellence from every player, every day.
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Recalling Gambhir’s presence, Iyer said the mentor instilled an immediate sense of security and aggression.
“He wants to win. He absolutely loves winning. He told us, ‘Go out there, and nothing will happen to you while I’m here.’ When someone says that, you feel like going out and waging war for the team,” he said.
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Iyer added that Gambhir’s confidence created freedom within structure — a space where players felt protected yet challenged to push their limits. According to Iyer, Gambhir’s biggest impact was cultural.
“With GG sir, there was no room for mediocrity. If you’re mediocre, you can’t survive there. You always have to be on top of your game and show excellence,” he added.
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He clarified that Gambhir never needed to deliver harsh speeches; players naturally internalised the standards he expected.
“You can’t play a bad shot and then sit next to him. He won’t say anything, but you yourself feel you must be better. To be in this team, you have to be premier. You have to be good,” he said.
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Iyer emphasised that Gambhir valued intent more than numbers. He concluded that this clarity, above everything else, powered KKR’s 2024 title run.
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Divy Dubey is a content producer. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.

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