The wait for the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team may soon be over, with Gautam Gambhir reportedly set to take up the mantle. Gambhir’s name has gained significant traction within the Indian cricket community, particularly following his successful stint as a mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had considered several high-profile candidates, including prominent Australian coaches and IPL veterans like Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower. However, Gambhir appears to have emerged as the frontrunner for the role.
The candidacy of Gautam Gambhir gained momentum after KKR’s outstanding performance in the IPL 2024 league stage, where they finished as the top team. The Knight Riders went on to clinch the title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. Following the victory, Gautam Gambhir had an extended conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, which, despite the undisclosed content, fuelled speculation about his potential appointment.
According to a report by India Today, Gautam Gambhir is now set to replace Rahul Dravid as the head coach of Team India. Although Gambhir recently took on the role of KKR’s mentor, he left his previous position with the Lucknow Super Giants, another IPL team where he had served as a member of the coaching staff since 2022.
Despite lacking experience as a head coach for a national side or even an IPL team, Gambhir’s contribution to KKR’s IPL triumph has reportedly convinced the BCCI of his suitability for the role.
The BCCI had invited applications for the head coach position by May 27, receiving over 3000 submissions, including several humorous entries from individuals impersonating Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah. The board is expected to commence the interview process for shortlisted candidates soon, with the Cricket Advisory Committee overseeing the selection.
This potential appointment marks a significant shift in Indian cricket coaching, with Gambhir bringing his IPL success and strategic acumen to the national team as they aim to build on recent performances.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
