Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is in Mumbai to appear for the interview for head coach position which will be vacated by Rahul Dravid after the completition of ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising of Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Pranjape and Sulakshana Naik will interview Gambhir for the top job. In addition, CAC will also interview the candidate for selector post to replace Salil Ankola.
Before his homecoming at KKR, Gambhir also spent two IPL seasons as mentor at KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
What Gambhir said about possibility of coaching Indian team
Gambhir recently led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) end their Indian Premier Legaue (IPL) trophy drought. Shreyas Iyer-led KKR won the third title for the franchise.
Earlier this month, Gambhir broke silence on prospect of him at helm of things in Indian men’s cricket.
“I have not answered this question, although lot of people have asked me. But I have to answer you now. I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honor than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 Crore Indians and those across the globe as well,” Gambhir replied to a youngster’s query at an event in Dubai.
First assignment as head coach
The new head coach is expected to join the Indian side after T20 World Cup 2024. The first assignment is likely to be India's tour of Zimbabwe which will start on July 6. India will play a five-T20I series against Zimbabwe which will end on July 14.
Gambhir, the only candidate
Gambhir is the only candidate to apply for the top position. Earlier, former Australian cricketers Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting said that they turned down the role. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah said that no foreign cricketer has been approached to take up the job.
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