As Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India Coach ends after the T20 World Cup, the BCCI is in search of a capable contender for the role. The board will accept applications from contenders until May 27. Meanwhile, according to an ESPNCricinfo report, the board has approached former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir for the position.
BCCI approaches Gautam Gambhir for Head Coach’s Role
The 42-year-old former cricketer is currently fulfilling his IPL commitments. Gambhir is the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have secured a spot in the Qualifier of the season. KKR will now play at least three more games this season, including their last league match. Thus, the BCCI may further discuss their plans with Gautam Gambhir after the season concludes.
After retiring from all forms of cricket in 2018, Gautam Gambhir entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, in 2021, he re-entered the IPL, this time as a mentor. He guided the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in two successive seasons. In 2024, he switched to the Kolkata Knight Riders, and Gambhir’s crucial decisions have changed the Knight Riders’ fate this season. Thus, Gautam Gambhir is a capable candidate to be the next India Head Coach.
Gambhir’s Candidacy for India Head Coach is a Potential Conflict of Interest
However, a conflict of interest situation may arise if Gambhir becomes the India Head Coach. Gambhir is a Member of Parliament from the East Delhi constituency, and serving as the head coach of the Indian cricket team could conflict with his political responsibilities. He had taken a break from politics for his commitment with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but it is uncertain what Gambhir’s plans are once the IPL ends.
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However, the BCCI can’t directly appoint Gambhir as the Head Coach. He has to apply for the job and will be interviewed by the BCCI’s three-member Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Justin Langer, the Head Coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, has also shown interest in applying for the position. The BCCI is currently accepting applications and has set a deadline of May 27.