Has Gautam Gambhir sealed the deal to become India’s new head coach? With each passing day, the two-time World Cup winner is strengthening his case. Just a day after the BCCI announced they were looking for a replacement for Rahul Dravid, the Kolkata Knight Riders finished the league stage of IPL 2024 as table toppers.
Although Shreyas Iyer might have been the captain, all the credit for the franchise’s impressive display went to Gambhir. A week later, KKR stood on the podium, lifting the IPL trophy. Their decade-long drought was ended by the same man who had given them their first two cups.
So, the question arises: Is Gautam Gambhir the front-runner for becoming the India cricket team’s head coach after the T20 World Cup 2024? Right now, it looks inevitable. The BCCI is certainly interested in having the no-nonsense former cricketer as their commander-in-chief.
Rahul Dravid isn’t exactly interested in extending his contract. The current NCA Head, VVS Laxman, has his reservations as well, and foreign coaches aren’t being given much attention. As of now, the deadline for receiving applications has also ended. We aren’t even sure if Gambhir has applied for the role, as he and the BCCI have decided to remain mum on the subject.
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What makes Gautam Gambhir a suitable pick?
Short but proven record: In his three years as an IPL mentor, Gambhir has had an incredible success rate. Two playoff finishes with the Lucknow Super Giants, and now one title with KKR. It may be as extensive as someone like Gary Kirsten, Andy Flower, or Stephen Fleming, but it’s no small feat either.
Man management skills: Some may describe Gambhir as too critical, but for his players, he’s the best hype man. He has made it clear that his role isn’t to teach the cricketers skills but to give them confidence to execute what the team requires at the highest level.
The team first: As someone who’s often been outshadowed by bigger stars in his career, he knows that it’s not one player but collective performances that win games. He’s already shown that he can run a team like a well-functioning clock, despite having some chinks in the armor.
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