With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s coach ending after the T20 World Cup in June, the search for his successor has intensified. Reports suggest that the BCCI is leaning towards Kolkata Knight Riders’ mentor and former India opener, Gautam Gambhir. On Thursday, former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly appeared to offer indirect advice to the BCCI, urging them to “choose…wisely.”
“The coach’s significance in one’s life, their guidance, and relentless training shape the future of any person, both on and off the field. So choose the coach and institution wisely…” Ganguly wrote on ‘X’.
Gambhir, who recently guided KKR to their third IPL title, has been widely tipped to take over from Dravid. Under Gambhir’s captaincy, KKR won its previous titles in 2012 and 2014. He returned to KKR as a mentor for the 2024 edition after a stint in a similar role with the Lucknow Super Giants. His return played a crucial role in KKR’s triumphant run this season.
The deadline to apply for the job of Team India’s chief coach was Monday, May 28. Speculations gained strength after BCCI secretary Jay Shah met Gambhir following KKR’s title win.
According to a recent report by Cricbuzz, Gambhir’s appointment is almost certain, with negotiations ongoing on multiple fronts.
“A very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise, who is very close to the BCCI top brass, said that Gambhir’s appointment is a done deal and the announcement will come soon. A high-profile commentator, who is very clued in to the happenings in the BCCI, said efforts are being made to rope in Gambhir. The fact that an announcement has not yet come suggests that negotiations are underway on multiple fronts — between the two parties and, perhaps, with some others too,” the report stated.
Additionally, BCCI secretary Jay Shah refuted reports that the board has approached Australian cricketers, such as Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, for the role.
“Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections are completely incorrect,” Shah said in a statement.
