Gautam Gambhir closing in on India head coach role: Reports

KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir is a hot favorite to become the next India head coach after Rahul Dravid. Dravid's tenure will come to an end just after the T20 World Cup. Among the other favorites, VVS Laxman is on the radar as well. 

Previously names like Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Justin langer were discussed by the management. However, as per the latest reports on RevSportz, BCCI is likely to consider an Indian for the role of the head coach of the Indian cricket team. 

On Friday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the board did not approach. any former Australian cricketer for the role. “Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process" said the statement from Jay Shah. 

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Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir's recent success with KKR as their mentor as his previous successful record as an India player and also an IPL player has made the management believe that the southpaw can be an ideal candidate for the role. It is not yet known whether Gambhir has applied for the role. However, the deadline for the submission of applications is 6 pm on May 27. BCCI is expected to have a discussion with Gambhir on Sunday, May 26, the day of the IPL final.

Gautam Gambhir A Serious Candidate For Next India Head Coach Role

Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer did not show any interest in the role with the Indian team saying that they are not ready for the long-term commitment at the moment. Langer further said that he was not ready to take the pressure of being the coach of the Indian team after a wise discussion with his LSG skipper KL Rahul. 

“And the pressure of doing it in India… I was talking to KL Rahul and he said, ‘You know, if you think there’s pressure and politics in an IPL team, multiply that by a thousand. (That’s) coaching India.’ That was a good bit of advice, I guess" said Langer on BBC’s Stumped podcast.

BCCI Secretary Jau Shah responded to the same by explaining the responsibility that comes with someone being the head coach of the Indian cricket team and the respect the team commands across the globe. 

“When we talk about international cricket, no role is more prestigious than that of the Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Team India commands the largest fan base globally, enjoying support that is truly unrivalled. Our rich history, passion for the game, make this one of the most lucrative jobs in the world. The role demands a high level of professionalism as one gets to nurture some of the best cricketers in the world and an assembly line of talented cricketers to follow" said Jay Shah. 

Dravid's extension as the India head coach ends after the T20 World Cup 2024. The new coach will have plenty on his plate starting with the five-match Test series against Australia in Australia later this year, followed by the Champions Trophy next year. The tenure for the new head coach of the Indian head coach is for three years from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027. 

Given that it is a three-year role for Gautam Gambhir, whether the KKR management and the owners will allow him to take up the role will be an interesting observation. 

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