Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has reportedly been approached by Rajasthan Royals for a high-profile leadership role that could see him serve as CEO, mentor and minority partner. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the IPL franchise, which is currently undergoing an ownership restructuring, has offered Gambhir a 2–3% equity stake as part of the proposal.
Gambhir’s IPL pedigree makes him a compelling candidate. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles and later returned as a mentor, guiding them to another championship. His stint with the Lucknow Super Giants further strengthened his reputation as a strategic thinker, as the franchise reached the playoffs in both seasons under his mentorship.
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However, a move tothe Rajasthan Royals appears unlikely at this stage. Gambhir is currently serving as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, and his contract reportedly runs through the 2027 ODI World Cup. Under the Supreme Court-approved Lodha Committee reforms, individuals associated with the Indian team cannot simultaneously hold operational or ownership roles in an IPL franchise due to conflict-of-interest regulations.
Gautam Gambhir to go back to IPL? India head coach reportedly approached by Rajasthan Royals with lucrative offerhttps://t.co/t4TtVQ0tBu
— Mint (@livemint) February 17, 2026
If Gambhir were to accept the Royals’ offer, he would be required to step down from his position with Team India — a scenario that seems improbable given his present commitments. He is currently overseeing India’s campaign at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where the defending champions have already qualified for the Super 8 stage.
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Looking ahead, Gambhir is also expected to play a central role when cricket returns to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games in the T20 format. For now, his focus remains firmly on national duty, even as speculation about a potential IPL leadership switch gathers pace.
