Gautam Gambhir wants his close friend to become India's assistant coach as he takes advantage of free hand given by Jay Shah

Former India skipper Gautam Gambhir is one of the most talked about names in Indian cricket. This is because the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor is all set to become the head coach of the India National Cricket Team, taking over the reins from Rahul Dravid.

Gautam Gambhir reportedly was interviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) committee. The deal between the two parties is almost set and the wait is now for the official confirmation, which is likely to be made soon ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.

There were several reports that claimed that Gautam Gambhir demanded full control of the Indian team and asked for an open hand to choose his support staff. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly has agreed to all the demands and has given a free hand to the KKR mentor.

In the latest development, as per the reports in Bengali Newspaper, it is learned that Gautam Gambhir is keen to bring his Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Abhishek Nayar on board. The former India skipper wants Nayar to join him as assistant coach once he takes up the head coach job.

The reports claimed that an informal conversation with Abhishek Nayar had already taken place. Nayar has been one of the most successful coaches in the Indian cricket. He has been one of the main reasons behind the success of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Abhishek Nayar is often credited for finding the best out of players. He has been one of the key architects behind the rise of the Rinku Singh. Apart from this, he was one of the main men behind Dinesh Karthik's redemption as he worked on his technique which helped him stage the comeback.

There also have been reports that have claimed that Gautam Gambhir wants former South Africa player Jonty Rhodes as the fielding coach. The duo worked together during a coaching stint with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.

If Gautam Gambhir along with Abhishek Nayar joins the India National Cricket Team it will be a massive blow for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Two of their prime members will be leaving the team as the duo helped them to win the 2024 IPL.

It is also learned that the announcement related to Gautam Gambhir is being delayed as salary negotiations are going on between BCCI and the former India captain. The Kolkata Knight Riders mentor is likely to get more than 12 crores per annum.

Rahul Dravid approached by Kolkata Knight Riders to be a mentor of the team in the IPL

Apart from this, it is also learned that Rahul Dravid, who was the Indian head coach till the T20 World Cup 2024, has now been approached by the Kolkata Knight Riders to be the mentor in the next edition. It remains to be seen if he will take up the role or not. He earlier served as coach of Rajasthan Royals in the tournament.