The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering Gautam Gambhir as a potential successor to Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. According to several reports, the BCCI faces a shortage of top candidates for the position due to the withdrawal of several high-profile overseas coaches.
Gambhir, currently serving as the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, has emerged as a significant contender. A recent report by Dainik Jagran suggests that Gambhir is interested in the India head coach job. However, he seeks a guarantee of his appointment if he applies, indicating that he will not submit an application if the BCCI merely considers him one of several candidates.
In an interesting twist, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly made a ‘blank cheque’ offer to Gambhir, aiming to secure his services with the franchise for the next 10 years. This offer was extended while Gambhir was still with the Lucknow Super Giants, highlighting the Bollywood actor’s desire to retain the former India opener.
The BCCI has already faced rejections from prominent names like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Stephen Fleming for the head coach position. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has dismissed reports of offers being made to any former Australian cricketer, emphasizing the board’s focus on finding a candidate well-versed in India’s domestic cricket structure.
“Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer,” Shah stated. “The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks.”
Gambhir’s potential appointment as India’s next head coach may hinge on his discussions with Shah Rukh Khan about his future with KKR. As the BCCI intensifies its efforts to secure a contract with Gambhir, the outcome of these negotiations could be a decisive factor in his decision.
