According to ESPNcricinfo, Gautam Gambhir has been approached by BCCI for India's head coach post. While Dravid's tenure ends after the T20 World Cup in June, the official application deadline for the head coach position is May 27, a day after the IPL 2024 final. This suggests the BCCI may be reaching out to potential candidates before the application window closes. Reports indicate the BCCI has already contacted KKR mentor Gambhir to know his interest in the role, with further discussions expected once the Knight Riders' IPL 2024 campaign concludes.
Gautam Gambhir front-runner to become India's head coach
With Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach coming to an end after the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, the search for his replacement is underway. Dravid has reportedly informed the BCCI that he is not looking for another stint. While Gambhir lacks experience coaching at the international or domestic level, he has a strong background working with IPL franchises. He served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants in both 2022 and 2023, notably guiding them to the playoffs in both seasons.
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Gambhir's unexpected switch to KKR for the 2024 season raised eyebrows, but it's understood that franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan personally persuaded him to become their mentor. Interestingly, KKR are currently sitting atop the IPL 2024 points table as the league stage concludes. The BCCI is expected to hold further discussions with Gambhir after the IPL final, considering his application deadline falls a day after i.e May 27. This suggests the BCCI may be exploring potential candidates even before the official application window closes. Gambhir's impressive track record with IPL teams, coupled with his leadership qualities, makes him a serious contender for the head coach position.
Gambhir played crucial roles in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup wins. He also led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2011 to 2017, during which they made the playoffs five times and clinched the title in 2012 and 2014. Moreover, under his captaincy, KKR reached the final of the now-defunct Champions League T20 in 2014.
Rahul Dravid's stint coming to a close
On Monday, May 13, BCCI opened applications for Team India's head coach role and the chosen candidate will serve a three-and-a-half-year term. Should Dravid wish to continue, he will need to reapply for the role leading the team captained by Rohit. The new head coach will begin their duties with the senior men's team on July 1, immediately after the T20 World Cup held in the United States and the Caribbean. The tenure for this role will extend until December 31, 2027. Rahul Dravid started his tenure as India's head coach following the 2021 T20 World Cup. Originally set to conclude after the 2023 ODI World Cup in November last year, Dravid extended his contract until the end of the 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA in June.
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