$1.4m salary per year, business class travel and more - Gautam Gambhir’s perks as India head coach

Team India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, will resume work from theSri Lanka tour (later in July). Replacing Rahul Dravid for the top post in Indian Cricket, Gambhir will have plenty riding on his shoulders as he gears up for a three-and-a-half-year tenure. Knowing the pressure that comes with his job, theperks are also in abundance.

“It is an absolute honour to serve my tri-colour, my people, my country," Gambhir said in a BCCI statement.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their exemplary run with the team. I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for Team India.

"I have always taken pride while donning the Indian jersey during my playing days and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role," Gambhir concluded.

Meanwhile, apart from holding perhaps the ‘toughest position in world cricket’, as previously echoed by Justin Langer when BCCI approached him for the same, Gambhir would enjoy countless benefits of becoming Team India’s head coach. Having played and won two World Cups, multiple bilateral series and grabbing the Test mace, Gautam has seen it all in Indian Cricket. But there’s always more to it.

Here, we look at all the perks Gautam Gambhir would have till he remains the India head coach.

Perks and benefits of being Team India head coach

Per the latest reports, the BCCI delayed Gautam’s appointment announcement due to salary negotiations. Considering Rahul Dravid was drawing a salary of $1.2 million yearly (INR 12 crore) as Team India's head coach, Gautam would earn more. Besides this, Gautam is entitled to several other perks.

In 2019, the Indian Cricket Board revised its daily allowance policy, entitling the coach to earn $250 (nearly Rs 21,000) daily - double the previous amount, while on an away tour. Outside of this, the BCCI will cover Gambhir’s business class travel, accommodation and laundry expenses.

The former opener will also get world-class travel experience and accommodation while on national duty.

One ofthe five conditions he kept in front of the board before accepting the offer, was that Gambhir would like to have the backroom staff of his choice.

Several reports suggest that Abhishek Nayar (batting coach), Vinay Kumar (bowling coach) and Netherland’s Ryan ten Doeschate are the ones Gambhir wants in his backroom staff.

The BCCI is said to be working on negotiating with everyone mentioned.

(With inputs from agencies)