Abu Dhabi – With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still searching for Rahul Dravid’s successor, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his potential appointment as the next head coach of the men’s senior team. Gambhir, who has recently guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the 2024 season, has emerged as a strong contender for the position.
Since no notable foreign candidates have expressed interest in the role, Gambhir’s name has gained significant momentum. The application deadline for the head coach position ended on Monday, and Gambhir has already received support from former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to take over after the T20 World Cup.
Speaking at an event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Gambhir expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well,” Gambhir told PTI.
Dravid’s tenure is set to conclude in June, following a short-term extension after his original two-year contract expired last year. The T20 World Cup will be Dravid’s final assignment as head coach. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, will commence their World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan in New York on June 9.
During his address to students at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Gambhir was asked about taking on the coaching role and ending India’s ICC trophy drought. “I have not answered this question, although a lot of people have asked me. But I have to answer you now. It is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless,” Gambhir stated.
As the BCCI deliberates on the next head coach, Gambhir’s openness to the role and his recent success with KKR make him a compelling choice to lead India’s national cricket team into a new era.
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