BCCI and Gautam Gambhir to discuss head coach role; report addresses alleged 'Virat Kohli rift'
PTC News Desk: With just one week left to submit applications, the search is under way to choose the Indian men's senior cricket squad. Numerous sources state that Gautam Gambhir, a former batter for India, is among the leading candidates to succeed Rahul Dravid as head coach. In addition to Gambhir, the BCCI is also considering three Indian Premier League (IPL) coaches for the prestigious position: Mahela Jayawardene, the Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket, Stephen Fleming (CSK), and Justin Langer (LSG).
According to reports, Ashish Nehra, the head coach of the Gujarat Titans and a former India bowler, has also been contacted by the BCCI's Operations Team over the position.
Nehra is hesitant to accept the position since he is unsure of working across formats on a full-time basis. It has been discovered that the search for a new head coach for the Indian squad is likely to present more difficulties for the BCCI.
When it comes to the applicants from the IPL franchises, BCCI has fierce competition. Furthermore, the applicants are unsure if they will travel with the team for ten months every year till the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Right now, Gambhir continues to be BCCI's top priority. The Times of India said that the BCCI is expected to speak with Gambhir in the upcoming days. In Ahmedabad for the IPL playoffs, Gambhir is a mentor for KKR. The two-time champions advanced to the Tuesday IPL final.
"There hasn't been any official correspondence with the possible applicants. These coaches are all waiting and considering their choices. However, Gambhir's shares appear to have increased. The source stated that Gambhir, who is playing for KKR in the IPL playoffs, is expected to have a conversation with the board authorities in Ahmedabad.
According to the source, Gambhir maintains communication with senior squad players, such as former captain Virat Kohli.
On the pitch, Gambhir and Kohli share a fierce competition, but they have moved past their past disagreements.
"It has been reported that Gambhir and the Indian team's older players have been getting along rather well lately. It can be verified that, despite any disagreements, Virat Kohli and Gambhir have always gotten along well off the field. The two were forced to sit down and resolve any disagreement, if there was one, even after their altercation during an IPL match the previous year, the story stated.
- With inputs from agencies
