Gautam Gambhir eyes India's head coach role after IPL success

Gautam Gambhir, renowned for his illustrious cricketing career and recent successes in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has expressed interest in applying for the India head coach position. 

However, before making a move, he plans to discuss the matter with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been exploring options for the head coach role with incumbent Rahul Dravid’s tenure set to end after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Amidst reports of the BCCI approaching Australian legends like Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer—both of whom reportedly rejected offers to stay with the Indian side till the 2027 ODI World Cup—Gambhir has emerged as a prominent candidate. Despite board secretary Jay Shah denying these approaches, Gambhir remains a frontrunner.

As the deadline for head coach applications approaches, Gambhir stands out as a leading candidate, especially given Jay Shah’s recent preference for an Indian coach. 

Shah emphasized, "Our coach must have an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level."

Gambhir's impressive IPL record bolsters his candidacy. In 2022, he mentored the Lucknow Super Giants to back-to-back playoff appearances, finishing third in the league stage both times. This year, his return to KKR saw the team top the league stage and secure a spot in the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The BCCI approached Gambhir about the head coach role, and he has shown keen interest. On Sunday, he is expected to meet BCCI officials in Chennai during the IPL final to discuss his potential application. Though he has not yet submitted his application, if he does, an official announcement of his appointment is anticipated soon.

However, Gambhir's decision is contingent on discussions with Shah Rukh Khan, who played a crucial role in his return to KKR. The Bollywood icon also reportedly offered Gambhir a blank cheque and a promise of a decade-long association with KKR, indicating his immense value to the franchise.