The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is, reportedly, eyeing former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir for the role of Team India’s head coach. The development was reported by ESPNcricinfo and it indicated that further advancements will take place only after the completion of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Notably, Team India’s present head coach Rahul Dravid has reportedly conveyed his message to the BCCI not to take any further extension to his coaching term. Dravid was convinced by the BCCI office bearers to extend his coaching term for another year owing to the impending T20 World Cup 2024. However, the coming T20 World Cup is going to be his final swan song with the Indian side.
As per the report, Gautam Gambhir has been contacted by the BCCI to get a stock of whether he wishes to take up the head coach’s role in the Indian side or not.
Gambhir, who had previously served Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor for two years before joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, has helped his side reach the playoffs of the ongoing season. KKR has ensured their top finish in the IPL Points Table and are the front runners to be IPL 2024 winners as well.
Previously, Gautam Gambhir was involved with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during IPL 2022 and 2023. Under his mentorship, LSG qualified for the playoffs on both occasions.
However, the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup winner cricketer has no experience of coaching an international or national side so far. His only experience includes his involvement with the IPL franchises in the last three years.
Interestingly, if Gambhir agrees to be with the Indian side, he will have to drop all his franchise commitments due to a conflict of interest clause.
The BCCI has already released the advertisement to invite candidates for Team India’s head coach’s role following the completion of Rahul Dravid’s extended term. The final date to apply for the same is May 27, a day after the IPL 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Earlier the reports emerged citing that the BCCI is also looking at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming to gauge his interest in the role. However, no confirmation could be made on that development.
The BCCI’s offer for Team India’s head coach’s duties includes being on the road with the Indian team for approximately 10 months a year. It also clarifies that the BCCI is in no mood to entertain any discussions on separate coaches for different formats of the game. The selected candidate will be responsible for all three formats.
