Gautam Gambhir’s second tenure with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been remarkably successful, but it might be short-lived. Gambhir, a seasoned figure in the IPL both as a player and mentor for franchises like Lucknow Super Giants and KKR, is now being touted as the leading candidate to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.
During his captaincy, KKR clinched two IPL titles, and in his current role as mentor, the team has soared to the top of the standings this season, securing a spot in the title clash. His accomplishments with both KKR and Lucknow Super Giants have significantly bolstered his reputation, positioning him as a prime contender for the prestigious coaching role, despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not yet initiating formal discussions with the two-time World Cup winner.
A report from The Times of India suggests that Gambhir’s potential departure from KKR, despite the team’s success under his mentorship in IPL 2024, could ultimately hinge on a private conversation with Shah Rukh Khan, the co-owner of KKR. Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly instrumental in persuading Gambhir to return to KKR as a mentor for the current season, and the two share a close and amicable relationship.
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Amidst these developments, several prominent names have been linked to the role of India’s head coach, including former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer. Recently, Ponting disclosed that he had engaged in informal discussions about the position during the IPL but ultimately declined due to personal lifestyle preferences. However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah refuted these claims, asserting that the board had not approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer.
As per a report when KKR co-owner Shahrukh Khan brought Gautam Gambhir on board, the understanding was he will be at the helm of KKR for 10 years.
With BCCI approaching him for team India head coach Gambhir is yet to talk it out with SRK but he is inclined towards the offer. pic.twitter.com/lHfaJzvFJ3
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) May 25, 2024
“Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks. It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level,” Jay Shah stated emphatically.
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This statement underscores the BCCI’s commitment to appointing a coach who is intimately familiar with the intricacies of Indian cricket, a criterion that Gambhir, with his extensive experience and recent successes, appears to meet perfectly. As the cricketing world waits for an official announcement, Gambhir’s possible transition from IPL mentor to national team head coach remains a topic of intense speculation and interest.
