Jay Shah, BCCI’s secretary, has reached out to Gautam Gambhir, the former opening batsman and two-time World Cup winner, to consider taking on the role of head coach for Team India after Rahul Dravid’s tenure.
The BCCI is on the hunt for a new coach as Rahul Dravid’s tenure is set to conclude after the T20 World Cup next month. Despite BCCI’s invitation for Dravid to extend his contract, he’s opted not to continue this time around. Although his initial contract ended last year after the ODI World Cup, BCCI managed to persuade him to stay on until the T20 World Cup.
While there’s uncertainty about Dravid’s successor, ESPNcricinfo reported that BCCI is eyeing Gautam Gambhir for the role. According to reports, Gambhir is at the top of BCCI’s wishlist, and they’ve reached out to him to gauge his interest. Further discussions are expected post the conclusion of Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign in the ongoing IPL 2024. Gambhir currently serves as a mentor for KKR.
With Dravid opting out of reapplying despite BCCI’s open invitation, other options were explored, including VVS Laxman, another former India legend and Dravid’s longtime teammate. However, Laxman, who heads the NCA, has reportedly also declined to apply for the position.
While Gambhir lacks experience coaching a national side, his IPL track record is impressive. Having won the IPL twice with KKR in 2012 and 2014, he’s currently mentoring the franchise, leading them to their first-ever first-place finish in the group stages this season. Before rejoining KKR, Gambhir coached Lucknow Super Giants in their first two seasons, guiding them to playoffs both times. His teams have consistently performed well in the IPL.
Gambhir topped the batting charts for India in both the 2007 T20 World Cup final and the 2011 World Cup final. Gambhir steered KKR to victory in the IPL for the first time in 2012 and then repeated the feat in 2014. Additionally, in 2014, under his captaincy, KKR reached the final of the Champions League T20, which has since been discontinued.
Despite his busy schedule with KKR’s playoff commitments, discussions with Gambhir are set to resume after the IPL season ends on May 26th.
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