Gautam Gambhir set to replace Rahul Dravid as India's new head coach: Report

Digital Desk: The wait for Indian cricket to discover Rahul Dravid's successor as the men's team head coach appears to be nearing its end, with Gautam Gambhir reportedly set to take on the responsibility. Gambhir's name has been circulating within the Indian cricketing community, bolstered by his impressive stint as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, which saw his reputation soar.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shown interest in several prominent names from the cricketing world, including celebrated Australian coaches and other IPL stalwarts like Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower. However, it seems Gambhir has emerged as the frontrunner for the role.

Gambhir's candidacy gained significant traction following KKR's stellar performance in the league stage of IPL 2024, where they finished as the top side. KKR's success continued as they triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, securing the championship. After the final, a lengthy conversation between Gambhir and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah further fueled speculation about his potential appointment.

According to a report in India Today, Gambhir is now poised to replace Dravid as Team India's head coach. Although Gambhir recently took on the role of KKR's mentor, having left his previous position with the Lucknow Super Giants, his achievements with KKR have made him a serious contender for the national coaching role.

Despite lacking experience as a head coach at the national level or even within the IPL, Gambhir's role in leading KKR to their IPL triumph this year has evidently impressed the BCCI. The board had invited applications for the head coach position by May 27, receiving over 3,000 responses, including some fake submissions from purported "Sachin Tendulkars," "Narendra Modis," and "Amit Shahs."

The BCCI is expected to commence the process of interviewing shortlisted candidates soon, with the Cricket Advisory Committee spearheading the selection. As the cricketing world waits in anticipation, Gambhir's potential appointment marks a significant shift and a new chapter for Indian cricket.