According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir to take over as the head coach of the national team, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Gambhir, currently serving as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, is said to be among the candidates under consideration by the BCCI for the role.
Gautam Gambhir pic.twitter.com/yyaO1sIjL3
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Gautam Gambhir To Guide Team India?
The report indicates that discussions regarding Gambhir’s interest in the position will take place after the conclusion of KKR’s campaign in IPL 2024. Dravid has reportedly informed the BCCI of his decision not to reapply for the position, with the application deadline set until May 27.
Although Gambhir has no prior coaching experience at the domestic level, he served as the mentor for IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023 before joining KKR ahead of the 2024 season. Under his mentorship, both LSG and KKR reached the playoffs multiple times.
As a player, Gambhir was part of the Indian team that clinched the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011, delivering standout performances in the finals of both tournaments. In the IPL, Gambhir led KKR to two titles during his captaincy from 2011 to 2017 and also guided the franchise to the final of the 2014 Champions League T20.
The BCCI’s job advertisement states that the tenure of the new head coach will commence in July 2024 and extend until December 2027. The incoming coach is expected to assume his duties immediately following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, marking the end of Dravid’s tenure. The names of Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, and VVS Laxman have also been circulating in discussions.
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