Under what conditions is Gautam Gambhir willing to coach Virat-Rohit's Team India? Find out
Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a new head coach for the men's national team, following the decision to replace Rahul Dravid. Among the prominent names being considered are former Indian cricketers VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir, alongside international candidates like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Stephen Fleming. However, Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a leading candidate for the role.
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, Gambhir is interested in the position but has stipulated a key condition before applying: he requires a 'selection guarantee' from the BCCI. This means Gambhir wants assurance of his appointment rather than just being one of the applicants. Currently serving as the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this year marks his first in this role. Despite this, Gambhir has been pivotal in KKR's improved performances in IPL 2024, further bolstering his credentials.
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Gambhir's demand for a selection guarantee stems from a desire to avoid the uncertainty and competitiveness of the application process. The last date for applying for the head coach position is May 27. The BCCI has clarified that they have not formally reached out to Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, despite the duo's public claims of being approached.
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If Gambhir decides to apply and is appointed, he would need to resign from his current mentoring role with KKR. His potential transition to India's head coach is seen as a significant move, given his successful track record as a player and his recent contributions to KKR. This development could mark a new chapter for the Indian cricket team under Gambhir's leadership.
