Big update on India’s new head coach! Gautam Gambhir set to replace Rahul Dravid?

With Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach coming to an end after the T20 World Cup in 2024, the BCCI is on the lookout for a suitable candidate. While many names were in the running for the chief role, several reports have focused on Gautam Gambhir, who has mentored the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

According to the latest reports, Gambhir is all set to replace Dravid as the head coach of Team India. A report from Dainik Jagran suggests that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will officially announce the former Indian cricketer's appointment in the last week of June.

It is also learned that Gambhir will have the authority to select his team of support staff, which includes the batting coach, bowling coach and fielding coach.

“Gautam Gambhir’s name has been finalised and the announcement will be made in a week's time. He will also take a call on the new support staff. The candidates of his choice will replace the existing members,” a BCCI source told Abhishek Tripathi (Dainak Jagran).

Gambhir's strong portfolio ousts veteran coaches 

Dravid started his coaching stint with the Indian team after the T20 World Cup in 2021. His first contract expired after the 2023 ODI World Cup, but the former India skipper decided to extend his contract till the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup. He refused to reapply for the post, prompting the governing body to find a new candidate.

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Former Australia captain and current Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, former Australia coach and current Lucknow Super Giants coach Justin Langer, former England coach and current Royal Challengers Bengaluru coach Andy Flower, and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming are other notables who have been in the news to become India's head coach.

Although Gambhir has no prior experience in coaching, he has built a strong portfolio from his playing career to take on the new role. Gambhir, who has won two World Cups and two IPL titles, has successfully mentored LSG and KKR. The appointment as India's head coach means the 43-year-old's tenure with KKR will end after just one season.

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