Gautam Gambhir shoots farewell video with KKR camp as India coach appointment talks intensify: Report

Gautam Gambhir is rumoured to take over as the Indian senior men's teamcoach from their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, later this month. Ever since his name started doing the rounds for the top post, he has emerged as a strong contender to take over from Rahul Dravid (who signed off with India's T20 World Cup win in West Indies and USA on June 29). Reportedly, Gambhir recently shot a farewell video with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp, in Kolkata, to sign off as their mentor with talks intensifying for him to succeed Dravid.

As per a report, Gambhir arrived in Kolkata to shoot a farewell video and sign off as their mentor after only rejoining his former franchise, where he won two titles as IPL captain, in late 2023. Under Gambhir's mentorship, Shreyas Iyer-led Kolkata won their third IPL title and firstsince 2014 (during his captaincy days). It is to be noted that Gambhir also served as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor from 2022-23, leading them to the playoffs in both editions. While he has no coaching experience, his exposure at the international levelis expected to do wonders for Team India. He was a big-match player for India during his playing days and, hence, is expected to groom the younger lot and manage the transition with ease.

Thus, Gambhir is now ready to say goodbye to KKR after a one-year stint as a team mentor. An officialtold Times Now, "It was a low-key affair, but Gambhir wanted to bid goodbye to his fans with a message and that is why they shot a video at the Eden."

The video is expected to be out after BCCI confirm Gambhir's appointment as the India head coach. As per reports, they arein the "final stages of salary negotiations" with the former Indian opener. Gambhir was part of MS Dhoni-led India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs (ending as the highest run-getter in both finals).