Janpukar News/ Admin
Move aside Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting and VVS Laxman. Gautam Gambhir is the latest name that has captured the attention of the BCCI to become India’s next head coach. ESPNCricinfo has reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India has reached out to the former opener as they look for the outgoing Rahul Dravid’s replacement. The board had also reportedly approached Stephen Fleming for the role, but since the tenure extends till the 2027 World Cup, the former New Zealand captain remained apprehensive.
Gambhir, currently serving as a mentor with Kolkata Knight Riders, does not have official coaching experience, but his time with KKR and the last two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants has made BCCI view him as the ideal candidate. LSG reached back-to-back IPL Playoffs in 2022 and 2023, while this year, after returning to the franchise he captained to two IPL wins under Gambhir, KKR not only advanced to the Playoffs but finished top of the table.
As of now, the BCCI and Gambhir are still in the nascent stages of discussions, with a deadline set for May 27. Further talks are expected to take place after the Kolkata Knight Riders complete their season, with the IPL concluding on May 26. Dravid has informed the BCCI of his decision not to extend his term, and the board is cautious about disrupting operations at the National Cricket Academy, where Laxman is currently serving as director.
Source – TOI
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