Gautam Gambhir is reportedly on the verge of becoming the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Gambhir, currently serving as the mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has gained significant attention due to his successful stint. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considered several prominent names, including Australian coaches and other IPL mentors like Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower. However, Gambhir seems to be the front-runner for the position.
Impressive IPL Performance Boosts Gambhir’s Prospects
Gambhir’s reputation soared as KKR delivered a remarkable performance in the IPL 2024, finishing at the top of the league stage. The team’s success culminated in a victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, securing the championship title. This achievement, along with Gambhir’s strategic role, led to a significant conversation between him and BCCI secretary Jay Shah, further fueling speculation about his potential appointment as the head coach of the Indian team.
Transition from IPL Mentor to National Team Coach
According to India Today, Gambhir is now set to replace Dravid as the head coach of Team India. Although Gambhir recently took on the mentorship role for KKR, he previously worked with the Lucknow Super Giants, another IPL team, starting in 2022. Despite lacking direct experience as a national or IPL head coach, Gambhir’s impact on KKR’s success this season has made the BCCI seriously consider him for the national coaching role.
BCCI’s Selection Process and Next Steps
The BCCI had invited applications for the head coach position, receiving over 3,000 responses by the deadline of May 27. Among these were several humorous entries from individuals posing as famous personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah. The BCCI is expected to commence interviews with shortlisted candidates soon, led by the Cricket Advisory Committee. This process will determine the final selection for the new head coach of the Indian cricket team.
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