No foreign coaches, VVS Laxman expresses disinterest as report gives a big update on Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India's head coach

In what has been the latest development as per reports in PTI, it is learned that the deadline for the submission of the applications for the head coach job of Team India has ended. The reports claimed that no foreign big name has applied for the post while NCA head VVS Laxman seemed to be uninterested. 

What has been the biggest headline is Gautam Gambhir has decided to stay silent on the development. Also, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t said anything about the Kolkata Knight Riders mentor joining up for the role of head coach of the team. 

Ever since BCCI has invited the applications for the head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir’s name has been floating in the headlines. There were reports that the governing body has approached the KKR mentor, who too has expressed his desire for the same. 

The reports claimed that BCCI’s prime target was to get VVS Laxman as the head coach. However, him not showing any interest has made things difficult for them. He wasn’t keen on the role as the post requires the candidate to be with the team for 10 months. 

Also, Jay Shah categorically mentioned that they need someone with deep knowledge of the domestic circuit, big foreign names haven’t been there on the list of candidates. Earlier the BCCI secretary claimed that they didn’t approach any overseas coach when Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer claimed they rejected the proposal. 

A source close to BCCI stated that although the deadline is over, the governing body will take some time before finalizing the derision. Speaking to PTI, he explained: 

“The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for the better part of June. After that seniors will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe where any of the NCA-based senior coaches can accompany the team. So what's the hurry.”

Not easy for Gautam Gambhir to leave KKR - Reports 

The reports also claimed that BCCI doesn't have too many quality options available at the moment. Related to Gautam Gambhir, it is learned that it might not be easy for the former India cricketer to leave the Kolkata Knight Riders, of whom he is a mentor. 

There were reports that KKR principal owner Shah Rukh Khan has offered a blank cheque to Gautam Gambhir to stay with the franchise for 10 years. It is also learned that if the KKR mentor takes up the role, he first needs to get a clean chit from senior players as he can replace Rahul Dravid.

Under the mentorship of Gambhir, Kolkata won the IPL 2024. They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final and after that, he has hogged the headlines as there have been many speculations about his future as head coach. He also was seen having a conversation with Jay Shah after the IPL final.