Gautam Gambhir and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have held talks over the role of Team India’s head coach. According to Cricbuzz reports, the former Indian cricketer is known to be the favorite to fill the position after Rahul Dravid.
After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach will end and he is expected not to run for the job again. With the search for a new head coach, Gautam Gambhir’s name has been doing the rounds.
Although there is no official confirmation, it is likely that Gautam Gambhir has applied for the head coach position. The last day to submit applications for the position was Monday (May 27).
Reports claim that BCCI and Gautam Gambhir are in talks for the same and talks are underway on multiple fronts. Both parties share the same belief that “we must do it for the country.” The governing body is also in talks with some of the other candidates, but Gambhir has first preference.
“The buzzword within the coaching 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 it is understood that the conversation between Jay Shah and Gambhir focuses on this idea,” the report says.
As per Cricbuzz reports, it is learned that a top IPL franchise owner, who is very close to the BCCI top brass, has already confirmed the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of Team India, stating that it is a deal closed and that The official announcement will be made soon.
On the other hand, a reputed commentator, who is also very close to what is happening in the BCCI, said that efforts are being made to hire Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the team. The former Indian cricketer was also seen chatting with Jay Shah after the IPL final.
Gautam Gambhir is known to have told those close to him that he is considering taking up the role of Indian head coach. Even Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan is aware of the development and there has been no official confirmation in this regard so far.
Quitting KKR mentorship and joining India not easy for Gautam Gambhir
Recently there were reports in PTI, which stated that BCCI currently does not have many quality options available for the head coach position. VVS Laxman, who was seen as the best option, did not express his interest in the position.
Gautam Gambhir, reports added that it will not be easy for Gautam Gambhir to leave Kolkata Knight Riders. Under his mentorship, the Shreyas Iyer-led team won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and hence, the owners have a desire to keep him in the franchise.
There were reports that KKR principal owner Shah Rukh Khan offered a blank check to Gautam Gambhir to stay with the franchise for 10 years.