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Gautam Gambhir and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) talked about him becoming the head coach of Team India. According to Cricbuzz, it seems Gambhir is the top choice for the job after Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid’s time as coach will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024, and he’s not expected to seek re-appointment. The search for a new head coach is underway, with Gautam Gambhir’s name being prominently mentioned.
While there’s no official word, it’s likely Gambhir has submitted his application before the deadline on Monday, May 27th. Reports suggest ongoing discussions between the BCCI and Gambhir, exploring various aspects. Both sides share a common goal: serving the country’s cricketing interests. While the BCCI is engaging with other candidates, Gambhir appears to be the frontrunner.
“The buzzword inside the coach selection circle is ‘desh ke liye karna hai’. Both the BCCI and Gambhir share the belief that ‘we must do it for the country.’ And the conversation between Jay Shah and Gambhir is understood to be centred around this idea,” the report said.
According to reports from Cricbuzz, a prominent owner of an IPL franchise, known for close ties with BCCI officials, has apparently confirmed Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the head coach of Team India. They suggest it’s a done deal and await an official announcement.
Conversely, a respected commentator with insight into BCCI affairs stated that efforts are underway to bring Gambhir on board as head coach. Notably, Gambhir was seen in discussion with Jay Shah after the IPL final.
Sources indicate that Gambhir has discussed the possibility of taking up the Indian head coach role with close associates. Even Shah Rukh Khan, owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, seems aware, though there’s no official confirmation yet.
Gautam Gambhir may find it challenging to leave his role as a mentor for KKR and transition to coaching Team India.
PTI reports suggest that the BCCI is currently facing a shortage of quality options for the head coach position. VVS Laxman, once seen as a top contender, hasn’t shown interest in the role.
Additionally, it’s said that Gautam Gambhir might find it challenging to part ways with Kolkata Knight Riders. His mentorship led the Shreyas Iyer-led team to victory in the IPL 2024, prompting the franchise owners to want him to stay.
There are rumors that Shah Rukh Khan, the principal owner of KKR, has made a significant offer to Gambhir, possibly even offering a blank cheque, to secure his presence with the franchise for the next decade.
