After leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title as team mentor, Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach.
Gambhir met Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday night, fuelling speculation about his potential new role.
Gautam Gambhir prospective appointment
With Rahul Dravid‘s tenure set to conclude after the upcoming T20 World Cup, Gambhir’s name has been prominently mentioned as a strong contender for the head coach position.
However, as the deadline to apply for the role passed on Monday evening, the BCCI had not confirmed whether Gambhir had formally expressed interest.
“Let’s wait for the interview process,” a top official stated as per Hindutsan Times, indicating that further discussions are anticipated. The appointment process, overseen by the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), may extend beyond the World Cup.
Salary Considerations and Coaching Ambitions
Should Gautam Gambhir decide to take on the role, it will involve a revision in salary. Dravid currently earns around ₹10 crore annually, but Gambhir, who receives a substantial sum from his role with KKR and his broadcast assignments, may require a different package.
However, the importance of the job, especially with the Indian team set for significant transitions and aiming for success in upcoming ICC events, might outweigh monetary concerns.
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KKR’s position
KKR is keen to retain Gambhir, given his pivotal role in their title victories, including those in 2012 and 2014 as captain. Yet, the franchise might understand Gambhir’s aspirations to coach the Indian national team.
BCCI search for long-term coach
The BCCI is seeking a long-term coach to guide the team through the 2024-27 ICC events cycle, including the ODI Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, and ODI World Cup, alongside two rounds of the World Test Championship. This commitment demands a coach with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and the ability to lead the team to success in international tournaments.
Jay Shah emphasised, “Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks.”
No Approaches to Australian Coaches
The BCCI has clarified that they have not approached any Australian coaches, following rumours involving Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting. This underscores the board’s focus on finding a coach with significant experience and understanding of Indian cricket.
New India coach soon
As the BCCI continues its search for a new head coach, all eyes are on Gautam Gambhir. His recent successes with KKR and his deep involvement in Indian cricket make him a strong candidate. The cricketing world waits to see if Gambhir will take the plunge and lead India into a new era of international success.
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