Step aside, Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and VVS Laxman. Gautam Gambhir has emerged as the BCCI’s top choice for India’s next head coach. According to ESPNCricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has approached the former opener to succeed the outgoing Rahul Dravid. The board had also considered Stephen Fleming for the position, but the New Zealander hesitated due to the term extending until the 2027 World Cup.
Currently, Gambhir is a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders and has no formal coaching experience. However, his mentorship with KKR and the Lucknow Super Giants in the last two IPL seasons has impressed the BCCI. Under Gambhir’s guidance, LSG reached the IPL Playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, while KKR, with Gambhir’s return, not only advanced to the Playoffs but also topped the table this year.
Negotiations between the BCCI and Gambhir are in the early stages, with a deadline of May 27. Further discussions are expected after the IPL concludes on May 26. Dravid has decided not to extend his tenure, and the BCCI is cautious about disrupting the National Cricket Academy, where Laxman is currently the director.
The BCCI’s criteria for a potential coach include having played at least 30 Tests or 50 ODIs. Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner in 2007 and 2011, meets these requirements. He also captained KKR for seven years, leading the team to two IPL titles and the longest unbeaten streak in IPL history. After his successful stint with KKR, Gambhir returned to the Delhi Capitals (formerly Daredevils).
Until recently, Gambhir’s involvement with cricket was limited to the IPL and occasional broadcasting. However, after concluding his political career earlier this year, his return to cricket has been well-received, particularly by KKR. Team India’s senior players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, are reportedly keen on having a coach with strong credentials. With Fleming and Ponting out of the running due to time constraints, Gambhir’s chances look promising.
Gambhir has a good rapport with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Despite past tensions, Gambhir and Kohli have reconciled and now share a positive relationship. They were seen having a cordial conversation before the KKR vs. RCB match, indicating their good terms.
Gambhir’s straightforward approach and his disdain for the superstar culture could address India’s longstanding issues in ICC tournaments. His demeanor is well-received by both young and senior players, making him a potentially effective leader.
Dravid, who became head coach in November 2021, will conclude his tenure with the T20 World Cup. During his nearly three-year stint, Dravid’s achievements include winning the Asia Cup and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reaching the World Cup final, the T20 World Cup semifinal, and the final of the second World Test Championship.
