Gautam Gambhir Emerges as Frontrunner for Team India Head Coach Position

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has closed the application deadline for the position of Team India head coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a leading candidate. However, both the BCCI and Gambhir have remained tight-lipped about the situation.

Gambhir's name has gained significant traction, particularly after his successful stint as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who won their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Sunday. However, the BCCI has not yet made any official statements, indicating that they may not have a wide range of high-caliber candidates to choose from.

Notably, no notable foreign coach has applied for the post, as BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's preference for someone who has risen through the ranks and understands the domestic structure. The BCCI's primary target was reportedly VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy head, but he is believed to be uninterested in a full-time position that requires him to be available for 10 months a year.

Sources within the BCCI have indicated that the board is not in a hurry to make a decision, as the team will be busy with the World T20 in June. Additionally, senior players will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, allowing NCA-based senior coaches to accompany the team.

Another factor to consider is Gambhir's close relationship with Kolkata Knight Riders principal owner Shah Rukh Khan. Leaving an IPL team that has been a part of his identity for the former India opener may not be an easy decision.

Furthermore, the BCCI is reportedly seeking input from senior India players, who are currently in New York, on whether Gambhir would be a suitable replacement for Rahul Dravid.

Tags: #Cricket, #TeamIndia, #HeadCoach, #GautamGambhir, #BCCI