The BCCI's search for a new head coach for Team India is still on as the application deadline for the top post, which was May 27, has now passed. Unusually, there have been no reports on which former players have applied for the position. Initially, it seemed VVS Laxman was a likely successor to Rahul Dravid, but reportedly he is reluctant to take up the role at this time. According to a recent report by ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI has reached out to Gautam Gambhir to gauge his interest in the position. However, it remains unclear whether Gambhir has submitted his application. Should he choose to apply, Gambhir would be considered a leading candidate for the head coach job. Recently, KKR won the IPL 2024 title after defeating SRH by eight wickets in the final under Gambhir's mentorship.
Dinesh Karthik wants Gambhir to become India's head coach
Amidst BCCI's hunt for India's new head coach, Dinesh Karthik has expressed his opinion, advocating for his former opening partner, Gautam Gambhir, to assume the role. In an interview with Cricbuzz, the ex-India wicketkeeper stated:
"He has really built a good team, one that will have a lot of players retained, and he's left them in a very, very good place. If he gets the opportunity, I really wish he takes it. Being part of the national team and the patriotism that he has, I think he will definitely be tempted to take it".
Gautam Gambhir began his coaching journey with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), serving as their mentor during the IPL seasons of 2022 and 2023. Under his guidance, LSG advanced to the second round in both years.
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Gambhir initially demonstrated his coaching prowess with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team he joined as a player in 2011 and led until 2017. As captain, he was instrumental in steering KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, thanks to his strategic decisions. Should Gambhir choose to accept the role of head coach for Team India, he would need to resign from his position at KKR. The head coach role is a full-time commitment, with the tenure extending until the 2027 ODI World Cup. It will be interesting to see whether Gambhir take up the India's head coach role or not.
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