2011 World Cup hero approached by BCCI to become the next coach of Indian Cricket Team

Rahul Dravid the current Indian coach is at the end of his stint which will end after the upcoming T20 World Cup. This has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India to search for a new coach. 

According to reports by ESPN CRICINFO, the Indian cricket board has approached Gautam Gambhir for the top job. The 42-year-old is currently with the Kolkata Knight Riders who are top of the table in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

The last date for application for the Indian coaching job is on the 27th of May. The final of the IPL 2024 season is set to be played a day earlier. If Gautam Gambhir and BCCI are to enter into talks for the coaching job, the application has to go in next week. 

Rahul Dravid rules him out of contention 

The hunt for the coach of the Indian Cricket Team is set to be a massive affair. According to the same reports emanating from ESPN CRICNFO, it has been learnt that Rahul Dravid has made it clear he will not be applying. 

Rahul Dravid took over as the coach in 2021 and formed a good partnership with Rohit Sharma. Team India reached the finals of the ICC World Test Championships and also the ODI World Cup. Australia beat the Rohit Sharma-led side on both occasions to ensure India’s wait for silverware continues. 

Gautam Gambhir known for his aggressive batting and captaincy techniques has already led KKR to two titles. After his retirement from Cricket, the left-handed batter joined politics and won the 2019 elections while contesting for BJP. Just before the 2024 Elections, Gambhir decided to quit politics as he became a mentor of the KKR side. 

The return to the dugout has had a phenomenal effect on his side as they have played outstanding cricket. The likes of Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, and Andre Russell have helped the two-time IPL winners become the first team to qualify for the playoffs. 

The former Indian star had a celebrated national career where he won two ICC titles and played a key role in the finals. His 75 against Pakistan during the 2007 T20 World Cup helped India clinch the by 5 runs. His most famous knock came 4 years later where Gautam Gambhir’s 97 helped India win their second ODI World Cup title beating Sri Lanka in the final. 

Justin Langer and Stephen Fleming are the other names that has been floated around if India wants to employ a foreign coach. Duncan Fletcher was the last foreign coach for India before Ravi Shastri (Twice), Anil Kumble, and Rahul Dravid were given the reigns of the Indian team.