As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) searches for the next head coach of the national team, former Indian captain Anil Kumble has weighed in on the potential appointment of Gautam Gambhir.
Gambhir, a former India opener and current mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is a frontrunner for the position as Rahul Dravid’s tenure comes to an end after the T20 World Cup.
Gautam Gambhir credentials
Gautam Gambhir‘s experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has brought him into the spotlight for the head coach role. He played a key role in KKR’s title win last month as the team’s mentor and has also served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
His success as a captain, leading KKR to titles in 2012 and 2014, further strengthens his candidacy.
Anil Kumble endorsement
Anil Kumble, who coached the Indian team from 2016 to 2017, believes Gambhir’s strong demeanour could positively influence the Indian dressing room. “You need somebody with a strong demeanour, and you want continuity,” Kumble told ESPNCricinfo.
He praised Dravid’s tenure and emphasised the need for a coach who can guide the team through a period of transition as senior players approach the end of their careers.
Challenges ahead for Team India
Kumble acknowledged that coaching the Indian team is a unique challenge and that Gambhir will need time to adjust. “You have to give it time. He certainly is capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams. He has all the credentials to be that. But Indian team’s coaching is slightly different, you have to give him time to settle in,” Kumble said.
He emphasised the importance of looking not just at the current team but also at the future of Indian cricket.
Familiarity with players
Gautam Gambhir has played with many current Indian players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Kumble argued that familiarity should not be the primary consideration in selecting a coach.
“What you look at is the candidature and not whether this particular coach has a background of playing with the players,” he said. Kumble stressed the importance of choosing a coach with the stature and credibility to handle challenging situations and make tough decisions.
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Call for Right Candidate
Kumble’s message to the BCCI is clear: selecting the right candidate is crucial for the future success of Indian cricket. “It’s important to choose the right candidate in terms of what they can bring to the Indian team, and someone who has the stature and the credibility to handle certain situations in the game,” Kumble stated.
He believes Gambhir has the potential to be that candidate, provided he is given the necessary time and support to succeed.
As the BCCI continues its search for the next head coach, Gambhir’s candidacy, backed by his IPL success and Kumble’s endorsement, presents a compelling case. However, the decision will ultimately depend on the BCCI’s vision for the future of Indian cricket and its willingness to invest in a long-term coaching solution.
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