“BCCI Eyes Gambhir for India Head Coach Role”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached former cricketer Gautam Gambhir to replace Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach, according to a report. The report indicates that Gambhir is BCCI’s top candidate to become India’s next head coach, as Dravid’s tenure is set to end following the T20 World Cup 2024.

Gambhir’s name has been circulating in the Indian cricketing spectrum, with his impressive stint as mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 franchise boosting his reputation.

The BCCI is also reportedly interested in a host of prominent Australian names, as well as other IPL coaches like Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower, for the role of head coach of the Indian team, but Gambhir appears to be the frontrunner.

Gambhir’s name gained traction as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered an emphatic performance in the league stage of IPL 2024, finishing as the No. 1 side. Although the former India opener lacks experience as a head coach of a national side or even an IPL team, his role in leading KKR to triumph this year has reportedly been enough for the BCCI to seriously consider him as Dravid’s successor.

On Monday, the BCCI invited applications for the position of men’s national team head coach, with the tenure starting on July 1, 2024, and concluding on December 31, 2027, the year of the next 50-over Cricket World Cup.

The selection process will include a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates. The board is likely to begin the process of interviewing shortlisted candidates soon, with the Cricket Advisory Committee leading the charge.