(Source X)
Gautam Gambhir, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has emerged as a prominent figure in discussions about Indian cricket. Recently, news broke that he is set to take on the role of head coach for the national team, succeeding Rahul Dravid.
Following interviews with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gambhir’s appointment appears imminent pending official confirmation, expected ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Reports suggested Gambhir sought full autonomy in team decisions, including choosing his support staff, a demand reportedly met by the BCCI.
In a recent development reported by a Bengali newspaper, Gambhir expressed interest in bringing on board his Kolkata Knight Riders associate, Abhishek Nayar, as assistant coach. Known for his coaching prowess, Nayar played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, nurturing talents like Rinku Singh and aiding Dinesh Karthik’s resurgence.
Further reports indicated Gambhir’s desire to enlist former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach, following their previous collaboration at Lucknow Super Giants. If Gambhir and Nayar join the national team, it would be a significant loss for Kolkata Knight Riders, having contributed substantially to their 2024 IPL triumph.
Delays in announcing Gambhir’s appointment reportedly stem from ongoing salary negotiations between him and the BCCI, with expectations of a substantial annual package exceeding 12 crores.
Rahul Dravid, who recently concluded his stint as the head coach of the Indian team until the T20 World Cup 2024, has garnered interest from the Kolkata Knight Riders to potentially serve as their mentor in the upcoming IPL season. Dravid, renowned for his strategic acumen and mentoring capabilities, previously held a coaching role with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. It now awaits confirmation whether he will accept this new mentoring opportunity with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
