BCCI Source Reveals Gautam Gambhir as Top Contender For India’s Head Coach Position: Reports

May 22, 2024 0 986

Gautam Gambhir is being considered as a strong contender for the role of India’s head coach, as revealed by a BCCI source recently.

The search for India’s next head coach is currently underway, with several prominent names on the radar of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to succeed the current coach, Rahul Dravid. Among the contenders are Gautam Gambhir, Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, and Mahela Jayawardene, although there has been no formal communication between the BCCI and these potential candidates.

According to a report in The Times of India, Gambhir’s chances of becoming the head coach have increased, with BCCI officials expected to meet the former India opener in Ahmedabad, where he is currently with the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders for the playoffs.

“There has been no formal communication with the potential candidates. All these coaches are waiting and considering their options. But it seems Gambhir’s chances have improved. It is likely that the board officials will speak with Gambhir in Ahmedabad where he is with KKR for the IPL playoffs,” a BCCI source stated.

The source also dismissed any concerns about Gambhir’s relationship with senior Indian players, stating that he is getting along well with them. The on-field clashes between Gambhir and Virat Kohli are well known, but the two appear to have moved on from their past rivalry. They were seen hugging each other after a match between KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and a video of them having a lively chat went viral on social media.

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“If people are discussing Gambhir’s friction with Virat Kohli, it can be confirmed that the two have always had a good relationship off the field. Even after the altercation during an IPL match last year, the two were made to sit down and resolve any issues if they indeed had any,” the source added.

Dravid’s contract with the BCCI ended after the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he was persuaded by the board to continue at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup. Notably, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has left the door open for Dravid to reapply for the top job, despite reports suggesting that the former India captain is hesitant as he wants to spend more time with his family.