With Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the new head coach of Team India nearly confirmed, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly considering Rahul Dravid to fill the void Gambhir will leave as their mentor.
Gautam Gambhir was initially brought on as KKR’s mentor for the 2024 season, a decision backed by co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who had a long-term vision for him within the franchise. However, the allure of coaching the national team proved irresistible for Gambhir.
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Gambhir’s departure is a significant loss for the KKR, as his guidance was instrumental in the franchise’s successful campaign, culminating in their IPL 2024 title win. To address this gap, KKR’s management has identified Rahul Dravid as their top choice for the mentoring role.
According to a report by News 18 Bangla, several IPL franchises are keen on securing Dravid’s expertise for the 2025 season. While the KKR has shown interest, formal discussions have not yet begun.
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Rahul Dravid, who humorously mentioned being ‘jobless’ after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory over South Africa, is a highly sought-after figure in the cricketing world. His extensive experience and contributions to Indian cricket make him a valuable asset for any team.
The former India captain has previously served as a mentor and coach for IPL franchises, including a stint with the Delhi Daredevils, which he left in 2017 due to a conflict of interest. Post his IPL tenure, Rahul Dravid focused on nurturing young talent as the coach of India’s Under-19 and India A teams, and later as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before assuming the role of India’s head coach in 2021.
Dravid’s reluctance to continue as the Indian team’s head coach stemmed from the extensive travel and time away from family. However, the IPL offers a more flexible schedule, requiring his presence for only 2-3 months annually, which might be a more appealing prospect for him.
