With Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending, Gautam Gambhir is expected to become India’s head coach from July 1, 2024, but former captain Anil Kumble emphasised that Gambhir will need time to adjust to the role.
As Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach nears its end, Gautam Gambhir is emerging as the top candidate for the position. Reports indicated that the BCCI has shortlisted the former opener, with an official announcement expected later this month. If confirmed, Gambhir’s role as head coach will start on July 1, 2024.
Former captain Anil Kumble has endorsed Gambhir, highlighting his qualifications and experience as a captain for India, his franchise, and Delhi. Kumble believes Gambhir is a strong choice but stressed that he will need time to adjust to the unique demands of coaching the national team.
“You will have to give him time. He is certainly capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams. He has been captain for India, for his franchise, for Delhi. He has all the credentials to be that. But, India team coaching is slightly different. You have to give him time to settle in. And like I mentioned, in case he does take up the job, he will have the task of looking at not just the current lot but also the future of Indian cricket,” Kumble told Cricinfo.
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Kumble also believes that the ideal candidate should have the stature, credibility, and experience to bring significant value to the team, ensuring they can effectively handle the complexities and pressures of the role.
“You have been a part of the system in some form or the other, whether you are a coach or a player, you’ve played with them or been associated with the team in some form or the other. I don’t think it certainly matters that much. What you need to certainly look at is the kind of candidature that you are going to pick and not necessarily go with whether this particular player or this particular coach has had a background of playing with the players and then that sort of coming in the way or not,” he said.
“I think, it’s important that you need to choose the right candidate in terms of what they can bring it to the Indian team and someone who has the kind of stature and the credibility to handle certain situations in the game and someone who takes those calls,” Kumble concluded.
Last Updated on June 15, 2024
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