T20 World Cup 2024: Gautam Gambhir set to become India's head coach after ICC Tournament - Report

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has emerged as the top contender to replace Rahul Dravid as India's men's team head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has kept options open for the head coach, despite the deadline for applications being less than a week away.

Rahul Dravid succeeded Ravi Shastri as Team India's head coach after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Dravid failed to end India's ICC trophy drought despite reaching the knockout matches. He received a six-month extension following the 2023 ODI World Cup. He isn't interested in reapplying for the position.

According to the Times of India, the BCCI is considering multiple candidates for the head coach position, with the application deadline approaching. The BCCI has shown interest in former international cricketers Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene for the role.

The BCCI faces challenges in selecting the coach due to competition from the IPL. The role requires a significant commitment, involving 10 months of travel annually. This demand makes it difficult to attract strong candidates, as many potential coaches already hold well-paid positions with IPL teams.

Gautam Gambhir Emerges As Leading Candidate On BCCI's List

The report further stated that Gautam Gambhir is currently the leading candidate on the BCCI's list. The BCCI has had no formal discussions with potential candidates. It is expected that BCCI officials will engage with Gambhir in Ahmedabad, where he is present with KKR for the IPL 2024 playoffs.

"There has been no formal communication with the potential candidates. All these coaches are biding their time and weighing options. But it seems Gambhir's stocks have risen. It is likely that the board officials will speak with Gambhir in Ahmedabad where he is with KKR for the IPL playoffs," a BCCI source said on Tuesday.

Gautam Gambhir lacks international coaching experience but has proven his capabilities as a mentor. The 42-year-old guided the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. He is mentoring the Kolkata Knight Riders, where his team reached the final in the Indian Premier League 2024.

The report stated that Gautam Gambhir and senior players have always had a good relationship off the field, despite rumors of friction.

"If people are talking about Gambhir's friction with Virat Kohli, it can be confirmed that the two have always got along well off the field. Even after the bust-up during an IPL match last year, the two were made to sit down and sort out any issue if they indeed had one," the source added.

Following Anil Kumble's one-year tenure, Ravi Shastri became the coach from 2017 to 2021 with the backing of then-captain Virat Kohli. Rahul Dravid was appointed in 2021 after discussions during the T20 World Cup. BCCI convinced him to take on the role after his stint as the head of the NCA.

Also read: ENG vs PAK: After ditching Rajasthan Royals, Jos Buttler set to miss matches against Pakistan - Reports