On June 18, former Indian cricketer and current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir gave an interview for the position of India’s head coach. He is the leading candidate to replace Rahul Dravid, and reports indicate he was the only person to apply for the position. Gambhir participated in the interview via Zoom, with Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) head Ashok Malhotra being on the other side.
According to reports, the interview was divided into two parts, with the first part taking place on Thursday and the second part potentially scheduled for Wednesday, June 19. However, details remain unclear as BCCI officials have not provided any comments on the matter.
The CAC, which also includes former players Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik, holds significant influence in the decision-making process. However, ESPNcricinfo reports that there are limited options available. Earlier rumours suggested that legendary cricketers such as Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene, and Stephen Fleming were considered for the head coach position, but all four declined.
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These rumors were later dismissed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Gautam Gambhir has previously expressed his enthusiasm for the head coach role. The 42-year-old has mentioned that it would be a tremendous honor for him to represent a nation of 140 crore people.
Some info on @GautamGambhir
1. He appeared for his interview with CAC on zoom from Delhi.
2. Apparently one round happened today and another round might happen tomorrow (May be Techical ke baad HR😄😄😄)
3. CAC head Ashok Malhotra is doing commentary in PUnjab T20 League and…— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) June 18, 2024
“Look, I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honor than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe. And when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?” Gautam Gambhir said at an event.
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Meanwhile, Jonty Rhodes is reported to be appointed as the fielding coach of the Indian team. Rhodes has previously worked with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants, and their reunion seems likely. The new set of coaches is expected to be in charge until December 2027.
Additionally, journalist Kushan Sarkar has reported that the BCCI has yet to finalize the North Zone selector, with no developments on this front so far.
