Gautam Gambhir Finalized As India's Head Coach By BCCI? Details Of His Conversation With Jay Shah Revealed
The deadline for submitting applications for the Indian cricket team coach position has ended, with Monday marking the final date for submission via Google Sheets. Several prominent names, particularly those affiliated with IPL teams, such as Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer, were initially mentioned when news emerged that the BCCI was seeking a successor to Rahul Dravid. However, most foreign candidates have publicly stated they would not be applying.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah clarified that no Australians were approached for the coaching role. He also emphasized that the BCCI intends to appoint someone familiar with India's domestic cricket structure. This statement led to widespread speculation that an Indian coach would be selected. Consequently, National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman and IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir became prominent candidates.
Cricbuzz recently reported on a conversation between Jay Shah and Gautam Gambhir following the IPL 2024 final. The report stated, "The buzzword inside the coach selection circle is 'desh ke liye karna hai'. Both the BCCI and Gambhir share the belief that 'we must do it for the country.' And the conversation between Jay Shah and Gambhir is understood to be centered around this idea."
The report highlighted Gambhir's strong sense of patriotism and indicated that he is considering the BCCI's approach. It also mentioned that KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan is aware of these developments.
There has been no official confirmation that Gautam Gambhir has formally applied for the coach's role. Previously, it was reported that Shah Rukh Khan wanted Gambhir to remain associated with the IPL franchise for the long term. According to Dainik Jagran, SRK even offered Gambhir a blank cheque last year to secure his commitment to KKR for a decade.
Recent reports from PTI suggest that the BCCI currently lacks many quality options for the head coach position. They also noted that it would be challenging for Gambhir to leave Kolkata Knight Riders. Under his mentorship, the Shreyas Iyer-led team won the IPL 2024, increasing the owners' desire to retain him.
Gambhir and Shah Rukh Khan are among the most celebrated duos in the IPL. Despite parting ways in 2017, with Gambhir moving to the Delhi Capitals before retiring, he returned to the IPL in 2022 as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants. After two seasons, Gambhir severed ties with LSG and rejoined KKR.
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According to Dainik Jagran, Shah Rukh Khan and Gambhir met several times between 2018 and 2022 but did not discuss cricket until last year. The Hindi Daily reported that after leading LSG to successive playoffs, Gambhir considered leaving the franchise. Shah Rukh then invited him to his home, Mannat, where they talked for hours. It was during this conversation that SRK proposed the blank cheque to Gambhir, aiming to keep him with KKR for ten years.
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