New Delhi: Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has opened up about the intense and highly disciplined dressing room environment fostered by former mentor Gautam Gambhir during his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Highlighting the pivotal role Gambhir played in shaping the team’s aggressive mindset, Iyer explained how the former India opener’s presence demanded nothing short of excellence, eventually leading the franchise to lift their third Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy.
Speaking about the team culture, Iyer detailed that under Gambhir’s mentorship, batters were never worried about failing, but they were acutely aware that the standards expected of them were exceptionally high. “He was sitting right behind us. There was no fear. And there was no place for mediocrity in that dressing room. You can’t play a mediocre shot or a false stroke and come sit next to him. You can’t do that,” Iyer revealed.
The left-handed batter explained that Gambhir did not need to lay down formal rules to establish this fierce atmosphere. His mere presence, combined with his high expectations, was enough to motivate the squad. According to Iyer, this approach created a unique environment where every player was eager to take the attack to the opposition. “That was the first time I witnessed something like that: give us an opportunity and we will go smash it,” he added.
Iyer also shared insights into the team’s tactical preparedness under Gambhir’s watchful eye. He noted that the middle-order batters were always padded up and ready to walk out by the second over of an innings, regardless of the match situation. “There was a kind of competition… anyone could go at any time. We were always ready,” Iyer stated, explaining how this constant state of readiness instilled a sense of urgency and ferocity among the players.
Gambhir’s leadership style, which previously guided KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain, proved equally effective in his role as a mentor. By eliminating the fear of failure while strictly rejecting mediocrity, Gambhir successfully transformed the Knight Riders into an unyielding force in the tournament.