Reason revealed behind delay in Gambhir’s appointment as head coach of Team India

Currently, the Indian team in Zimbabwe is under the guidance of NCA head VVS Laxman

PHOTO: AFP

Gautam Gambhir has emerged as the leading candidate for the head coach role of the Indian cricket team following Rahul Dravid's decision not to continue after the T20 World Cup.

Gambhir, one of only two applicants alongside WV Raman, has undergone interviews with the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik. Multiple reports indicate that Gambhir is set to be appointed as India's next head coach.

Recently, Gambhir was seen filming a farewell video at Eden Gardens for the Kolkata Knight Riders, signaling the end of his tenure with the franchise where he played a pivotal role in their IPL success after a decade.

Despite the apparent clarity surrounding Gambhir's appointment, the delay in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) making an official announcement stems from ongoing salary negotiations.

According to sources cited by The Indian Express, negotiations between Gambhir and the BCCI are in the final stages.

The BCCI had advertised the head coach position with negotiable remuneration based on experience, indicating a departure from Rahul Dravid's reported salary of approximately ₹12 crore annually. If appointed, this would mark Gambhir's debut in a national-level coaching role, having previously served as a mentor in the IPL with stints at the Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Currently, the Indian team in Zimbabwe is under the guidance of NCA head VVS Laxman. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has confirmed India's upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka under a new head coach.

Furthermore, the BCCI plans to invite applications for the team’s support staff, including roles such as batting coach, bowling coach, and fielding coach, following the conclusion of Vikram Rathour, Paras Mhambrey, and T Dilip's tenures after the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Gambhir is expected to have autonomy in selecting his support staff once the application process concludes.