Watch: Did Gambhir disclose IPL final date while addressing KKR squad?

Returning to the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) camp as a mentor after two years in the same role with the Lucknow Super Giants, KKR's two-time IPL-winning captain

Gautam Gambhir

set things straight in his first address to the players. But inadvertently, the T20 and ODI World Cup winner possibly gave away the date of the

IPL 2024 final

while talking.
The BCCI has so far finalised the schedule of first 21 matches to be played from March 22 to April 7.

The remainder of the schedule is yet to be released and will depend on the schedule of the general elections in the country.
WATCH VIDEO OF GAMBHIR'S ADDRESS

There is also a possiblity that the subsequent leg of the

IPL 2024

season is played overseas, most probably in the UAE.
While addressing the KKR squad in his first collective meeting with the group ahead of training, Gambhir mentioned "on 26th May, we should be there", which points towards it being the date of this edition's final.
"On 26th May, we should be there, giving everything possible; and it starts from today...So if we walk the same path and if we fight, I am sure we are going to achieve a lot of success," the former India opener said in the video shared by KKR on social media.

Stressing on the importance of training hard and each player getting equal treatment, irrespective of being a senior, junior, domestic or international player, Gambhir added: "We start the season from today, whether it's physically, mentally, skill-wise -- give everything possible. It's a very, very proud franchise. You guys are representing a very successful franchise. Make sure you train that way, play that way and you carry that attitude on the field."
Gambhir said he has always promoted treating each player at the same level and giving freedom.
"One thing I absolutely believe in is giving all the freedom to the players. That is something very, very important. People who have played with me know one thing about me that everone in this group will be treated equally. There is no senior or junior, there is no domestic or international because we have got one mission, and that is to win this IPL. So everyone needs to follow that one simple path.

Gambhir, who led KKR to IPL triumphs in 2012 and 2014, said every player is free to approach anyone among the support staff to ask questions.
"You have the freedom, enjoy yourselves. You can ask questions, (behind) closed doors or in front of everyone. And I can assure you, from the support staff point of view, that we are going to be absolutely honest to everyone of you."