The BCCI has approached Gautam Gambhir to take up the position of Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is already on the hunt for a new head coach as Rahul Dravid’s contract runs till the end of the ICC T20 World Cup.
It is understood that Dravid is unwilling to continue his stint as the head coach for the Men in Blue. The last date for applying for the post is on May 27, which is just a day after the conclusion of IPL 2024. Gambhir is currently the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Under his reign, which started this season, KKR has shone brightly. In fact, after almost a decade, KKR has topped the standings in IPL 2024. It might be a bold call for the apex body in the country given that Gambhir has no prior experience in coaching teams both at domestic and international levels.
BCCI approaches Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir has been a brilliant player himself. Not only was he part of two World Cup-winning teams (2007 and 2011), but he also helped KKR win the IPL twice in 2012 and 2014. After this, Gambhir served as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants. Under his leadership, LSG managed to reach the knockouts in both years.
Now the question is, why Gambhir? Dravid is unwilling to extend his stint. He took on the role from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup. His original contract ran until the end of the ODI World Cup, but the BCCI decided to offer him an extension running up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
As India’s ICC trophy jinx continues, the BCCI is keen to appoint someone who can break the curse. Gambhir boasts a strong record as a mentor. It remains to be seen if Gambhir reaches a decision and applies for the post within the given time.