IND vs PAK: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli named decision-makers in Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India head coach by Sandeep Patil

Former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil has given his heads up to Gautam Gambhir to become India's next head coach after the expiry of Rahul Dravid's tenure.

Rahul Dravid and his coaching staff are all set to leave the Indian team after 3 years of service following the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Regardless of whether India wins the competition or not, Dravid is not going to extend his stay and the most realistic option that is arising at the moment is Gautam Gambhir.

No other candidate has been confirmed to take up the role as of yet and there are no signs of a foreign coach taking over. The Indian National Team head coach job is one of the most exclusive and demanding jobs in the sporting industry. It will be interesting to see who comes in as the new coach after the T20 World Cup. The coach's first assignment will be against Zimbabwe.

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What did Sandeep Patil say about Gautam Gambhir?

Sandeep Patil, who has also served as the chief selector of India, was in a conversation with RevSportz recently. Therein, he was asked to speak about his thoughts on Gautam Gambhir becoming the new head coach. Patil started off by saying that it is a decision that is totally on skipper Rohit Sharma, the other senior players, and the BCCI officials.

Patil then appreciated Gautam Gambhir for being a good player, captain, and mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL. However, one point where Gambhir lacks is that he has never had coached a team - whether in the Indian Premier League or the domestic circuit.

“Well, it’s mainly up to Rohit Sharma and the senior players in the team, and the BCCI officials (to decide) whether this is the right choice. Gautam has done exceptionally well as a player, as a captain and as a mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (and Lucknow Super Giants). But he hasn’t coached any other team (at any level)," Sandeep Patil told RevSportz.

Patil asks if Gambhir can handle the pressure of all formats

Sandeep Patil then asked whether an inexperienced Gautam Gambhir, in terms of head coaching, would be able to handle the pressure or not. Gambhir will not just coach the T20I team but he will also look after Test as well as ODI cricket. Therefore, he asked the BCCI if they were looking at these areas or not.

"Now, when you appoint him (as India coach), you are appointing him for Test cricket and 50-over cricket as well (apart from T20Is). So, are we looking into those areas also?" Sandeep Patil added.

Lastly, Patil stated that if Gautam Gambhir gets the chance, then he will do a good job as he is a very dedicated personality.

"He is a lovely chap. I was happy that I got a chance to work with him throughout his (playing) career. I’m sure, if given a chance, he will do a good job," Patil concluded.