‘A private chat with Shah Rukh Khan…’ – Gambhir’s IPL future lingers as India head coach prospects brighten

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir’s IPL’s future hangs in limbo, with his prospects of becoming Team India’s new head coach strengthening. As per the latest reports, the BCCI and Gambhir are yet to have a detailed discussion over this possibility; however, if all goes according to the plan, Gambhir will have to let go of his IPL commitments with the KKR to take up that role, something that could bother the franchiseco-owner, Shah Rukh Khan.

Gautam is a two-time IPL winner with KKR (2012 and 2014), captaining the side on both occasions. Fast forward 10years, he returned to his favourite team as a mentor from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he remained coach for the first two years. Reports earlier had suggested that it was because of Shah Rukh Khan that Gambhir decided to switch bases ahead of this season.

ALSO READ:T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya to fly from London as Team India's first batch to depart for New York on May 25

Meanwhile, going by his record as part of the backroom staff, Gambhir guided LSG to reach playoffs on both occasions, and this season has helped KKR qualify for the first position on the points table for the first time and reach the finals. KKR will take on SRH in the mega IPL final on Sunday (May 26) in Chennai.

However, per a report in the Times of India (TOI), whether Gambhir will accept BCCI’s offer of becoming the new head coach will boil down to “private conversation with Shah Rukh Khan (co-owner), if it comes to that.”

Clear road ahead for Gambhir

With Dravid not agreeing to continuing as Team India’s head coach following the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, the BCCI took to social media to invite applicants for the top job in Indian cricket.

Various media reports even suggested that the Indian board approached a few Australian legends like Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer for the role. Both refused to apply due to the tenure duration (three and a half years).

However, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah cleared the air around the same, admitting neither he nor the board had approached these or any Australian for India’s head coach role.

“Neither I nor the BCCI have approached any former Australian cricketer with a coaching offer. The reports circulating in certain media sections arecompletelyincorrect. Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thoroughprocess.”

“Weare focusedon identifying individuals whopossessa deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks.It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket frameworkto truly elevate Team India to the next level,” Shah saidin a statement.

Thedeadline to applyisMay 27th– one day after the IPL 2024 Final.

(With inputs from agencies)