With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India head coach concluding after the 2024 World Cup, the clamour for the appointment of his successor has intensified. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Gautam Gambhir is reportedly set to be named the next head coach of the Indian cricket team, with an official announcement expected by the end of this week. The exact timing of the announcement may depend on India’s performance during the World Cup.
Gambhir’s Expected Appointment
The BCCI is anticipated to confirm Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, filling the position soon after Dravid’s exit. Although the official announcement has yet to be made, sources indicate that Gambhir is the favored candidate for the role.
Gambhir’s Coaching Experience
Notably, Gambhir has limited experience in formal coaching roles but has served as a mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During his two-year tenure with LSG, the team reached the play-off stage both years. This year, as a mentor for KKR, Gambhir helped guide the team to lift the IPL 2024 trophy after a decade-long gap. Reflecting on Gambhir’s influence, KKR batter Nitish Rana shared, “I want to share one short story that when GG bhaiya (Gambhir) was named the mentor, I sent him a long message as I was really happy. But he replied saying, ‘Thank you but I would be happy if we stand at the podium with the trophy in our hands’. Today is that day and I will never forget that message.”
Selection of Support Staff
Gambhir has reportedly requested to choose his own support staff. The current support staff includes Vikram Rathour as batting coach, Paras Mhambrey as bowling coach, and T Dilip as fielding coach. When Dravid took over from Ravi Shastri in 2021, he retained Rathour but brought in Mhambrey and Dilip.
Future Prospects
The potential appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach is seen as a significant development for Indian cricket. His strategic insights and leadership are expected to bring a new dynamic to the team. Fans and analysts eagerly await the official announcement and subsequent impact on the team’s performance under his guidance.