Gautam Gambhir interviews for Team India's head coach role - Reports

Gautam Gambhir was reportedly interviewed by the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for Team India's head coach position in Mumbai on Tuesday, June 18. The former opening batter appears to be the main contender to take over the coaching baton from Rahul Dravid.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Gambhir interacted with the CAC panel consisting of ex-cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik. India's current head coach Rahul Dravid's tenure is set to end following the completion of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup.

The BCCI had invited applications for the new head coach role by putting out a notice on its official website. The deadline to apply was set as May 27, 2024.

Gambhir's resume boasts of mentorship stints with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). He was a pivotal cog in KKR's think-tank during their title-winning campaign earlier this year.

India's new head coach will be at the helm of the national team till the end of 2027 when the next edition of the ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place. Dravid has confirmed that he won't reapply, while VVS Laxman, the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), also isn't keen on taking up the job.

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"I would love to coach the Indian team" - Gautam Gambhir

Speaking to students at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, Gautam Gambhir mentioned that he was willing to be the head coach of the Indian team.

He stated that he would love the opportunity to work with the national team, as it would be a matter of honor for him to represent the country. Gautam Gambhir said:

"I have not answered this question, although a lot of people have asked me. But I have to answer you now. I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well."

Gautam Gambhir played a crucial role in Team India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs and was the top run-getter for the team in both finals.