After KKR’s dominant run to the IPL title in 2024, Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach after the ICC T20 World Cup. The former batter is in his final tournament in charge, and will step down no matter what the result is.
Several names have been rumoured as potential replacements for him, and Gambhir is the latest to join the mix. Reports in the Dainik Jagran suggest that a deal with the BCCI is already done, with a three-year contract in place between the two parties.
Gautam Gambhir rumoured as India’s next head coach
Gautam Gambhir likely to be announced as team India's Head Coach by June end. (Abhishek Tripathi/Dainik Jagran). pic.twitter.com/sx9SpxEq7X
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 16, 2024
The report also suggests that Gambhir is looking to change the backroom staff as well, with the trio of T Dilip, Paras Mhambrey and Vikram Rathour likely to be replaced by new bowling, fielding and batting coaches who are better suited to Gambhir’s approach.
Gautam Gambhir has previously shown his qualities as a leader by captaining KKR in the IPL as a player. He also managed to create a supportive and open environment at Lucknow Super Giants before joining KKR. And after his brief spell as a mentor with KKR, he could now make the move up to the most demanding role in the country.
Under the former India top-order batter, we could see a massive change in the way the team plays, with more freedom and innovative ideas being brought to the table.
