Gautam Gambhir, the BJP from East Delhi, has requested party president JP Nadda to release him from his political duties ahead of the IPL 2024 season which is set to start from March 22.
Gambhir is set to serve as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 after serving in the same capacity for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 and 2023. The former India opener has been roped in by the KKR who are looking for their first IPL title since 2014.
KKR have won both their IPL titles under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, and would be expecting to end their decade-long wait for the coveted trophy. Gambhir boasts of an impressive CV and under his mentorship, LSG qualified for playoffs in each of their first two seasons.
Why is Gautam Gambhir leaving BJP and politics?
Gambhir joined BJP in 2019 following his retirement from international cricket in December 2018. He soon become one of the most popular leaders in the party and won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from East Delhi seat by a whopping margin of 6,95,109 votes.
The 42-year-old has been praised for his work in the constituency. His ‘Jan Rasoi’ initiative which serves meals to the needy for Rs 1 was also widely appreciated by many. The two-time World Cup-winning cricketer also installed first-of-its-kind giant air purifiers in his constituency.