Gautam Gambhir could finally smile. His team Kolkata Knight Riders had just achieved what he planned for since taking over as the mentor of the side. After Sunday, Gambhir can boast of being an IPL champion as a mentor. That too with a team which he led to title in 2012 and 2014. After KKR beat SunRisers Hyderabad by eight wickets, chasing down a 114-run target in just 10.3 overs, Gambhir was a happy man. His mission for IPL 2024 had just been completed.
But that was not all. Gautam Gambhir’s name is dong the rounds to be the next India coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid. After the final, Gambhir could be seen engaged in an intense discussion with BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
Internet started speculating after that meeting.
Jay Shah saab you have just one job. Make Gautam Gambhir the head coach of India. pic.twitter.com/D8UGLYKGT4
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 26, 2024
Jay Shah having chat with Gautam Gambhir after the match. pic.twitter.com/lFW0gqdaRW
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 26, 2024
Jay Shah in serious discussion with GG. Vishiyam confirmed. Top secret. pic.twitter.com/RB6IV5mXIk
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) May 26, 2024
Jay Shah had a chat with Gautam Gambhir and later hugged GG. pic.twitter.com/hl13xem7LN
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 26, 2024
VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir were the top Indian names to emerge as the board rolled out the advertisement to find Rahul Dravid’s replacement. The likes of Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming, etc. were also reported to be on the board’s shortlist. But, it seems like the No. 1 candidate on the BCCI’s radar is Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir.
As per a report in Dainik Jagaran, Gambhir is also keen on taking up the job of India’s head coach, though this is only his first year as the mentor of KKR. But, the former India batter has ‘one condition’ before he fills out the application form.
The report claims that Gambhir is only willing to apply for the post if he is given a ‘selection guarantee’. The former India opening batter isn’t keen to just be an applicant for the post. Only certainty of selection as Dravid’s replacement would see Gambhir throw his hat in the ring.
The last date to apply for the head coach’s role is May 27. It isn’t yet known how many potential coaches have put their names across for the role. The BCCI, recently, had denied reaching out to the likes of Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer for the head coach’s job, though the duo claimed that they were approached but decided to turn down the offer.
If Gambhir does apply for the post and take up the role, he would have to leave his position as the mentor for the Knight Riders. The former left-handed batter, who has also won the IPL with KKR as their captain twice, has been credited for the resurgence the franchise has shown this year. KKR’s performances in IPL 2024 have been one of the biggest reasons behind Gambhir’s stocks as India’s potential head coach rising up.
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