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World Cup-winner Gautam Gambhir is amongst the frontrunners to become India's next head coach as Rahul Dravid's stint will come to an end after the T20 World Cup 2024. During the Indian Premier League (IPL) season last month, the BCCI opened applications for the head coach position, and numerous reports suggest that Gambhir is a frontrunner for the role. Although he lacks formal coaching experience with an international team, Gambhir significantly contributed to Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) title triumph in IPL 2024 as the team's mentor.
Moreover, Gambhir served as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, leading them to the playoffs. He also has a successful track record as a captain, having led the Knight Riders to IPL championships in 2012 and 2014.
Anil Kumble gives verdict on Gambhir's potential appointment as India coach
With Rahul Dravid's tenure ending after the T20 World Cup, former Indian captain Anil Kumble, who was the team's head coach from 2016 to 2017, expressed that Gambhir's potential appointment could positively impact the Indian team. Kumble emphasised the need for a leader with a strong demeanor in the Indian dressing room, a quality he believes Gambhir possesses.
“You need somebody with a strong demeanour, and you want continuity,” Kumble told ESPNCricinfo.
“Rahul (Dravid) has done a fantastic job, and hopefully, for him and India's sake, he has a swansong with the World Cup. What you also have to keep in mind is that some of the senior players are coming towards the backend of their careers. You need players who go through the transition period and ensure India doesn't miss out the quality in the bowling and batting department. You pick and choose and transition through,” he added.
Kumble stated that Gambhir possesses the qualifications to be the Indian head coach but recognised that despite his achievements with KKR, the BCCI will need to afford him some time.
“You have to give it time. He certainly is capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams. He has been a captain for India, for his franchise, for Delhi. He has all the credentials to be that. But Indian team's coaching is slightly different, you have to give him time to settle in. Like I mentioned, in case he takes up the job, he will have the task of looking at not just the current lot, but also the future of Indian cricket,” said Kumble.
Gambhir has shared the field with several players who are still active in the current Indian squad, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, among others. However, for Kumble, this familiarity is irrelevant as long as the candidate is appropriate for the role.
“Today, you have been a part of the system in some form or the other. Whether you're a coach or player, you've played with them or been associated with them on some form or the other. It doesn't matter that much. What you look at is the candidature and not whether this particular coach has a background of playing with the players. I think it's important to choose the right candidate in terms of what they can bring to the Indian team, and someone who has the stature and the credibility to handle the certain situations in the game. Someone who is not afraid to take those calls,” Kumble concluded.
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