Gautam Gambhir set to become India’s next coach? Report makes massive claims

The Board For Cricket Control In India (BCCI) has approached former Indian cricket team batsman Gautam Gambhir to replace Rahul Dravid as the national team coach, according to a report from ESPNCricinfo. Gambhir, who is currently mentoring the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, is reportedly on the list of candidates that the BCCI is considering for the role. The report states that the cricket governing body has reached out to him to understand his interest in the job and further discussions are expected after KKR’s IPL 2024 campaign ends. The reports state that Dravid has told the BCCI that he will not apply again for The position and deadline for applications is May 27th.

Gambhir has never coached a national team but mentored IPL side Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 and 2023 before joining KKR ahead of the 2024 season. During his stint at LSG, the team reached the playoffs twice and repeated the feat once again with KKR this season.

As a player, Gambhir was part of the Indian cricket team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. He performed brilliantly in the finals of both tournaments.

Coming to the IPL, Gambhir led KKR to two titles during his tenure as captain from 2011 to 2017. The franchise also played in the 2014 Champions League T20 final under his leadership.

According to the job advertisement released by the BCCI, the tenure will begin in July 2024 and run until December 2027. The new coach is expected to take up his responsibilities soon after the 2024 T20 World Cup as it will be the final tournament of the current coach Rahul Dravid.

The names of Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming and VVS Laxman have been doing the rounds.