With the BCCI opening applications for Team India’s next head coach, various names have emerged as potential candidates. Rahul Dravid, whose current tenure extends until after the T20 World Cup, reportedly isn’t interested in reapplying. Speculation suggests the BCCI is eyeing Stephen Fleming, former New Zealand captain and Chennai Super Kings head coach, due to his success in the IPL and other T20 leagues. Another name in the mix is Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener and two-time World Cup winner.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, the BCCI has approached Gambhir to succeed Dravid. Gambhir, currently mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, has been contacted by the board. Discussions are expected to resume after KKR completes their IPL campaign. The deadline for applications for the Team India head coach position is May 27, a day after the IPL 2024 final.
Gambhir, while lacking coaching experience at the domestic or international level, has been involved in mentoring IPL teams since 2022. He guided Lucknow Super Giants to playoffs in 2022 and 2023 before joining KKR for the ongoing season, where he helped them secure the top spot in the league stage under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, making them the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season.
Last week, the BCCI announced vacancies for the India men’s head coach position, with the new coach’s tenure slated to begin on July 1, 2024, and extend until December 31, 2027.