Cricket

The Indian cricket fraternity is eagerly awaiting the announcement of Rahul Dravid's successor as the head coach of the men's team. According to recent reports, Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the coveted role.Gambhir's impressive stint as mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has catapulted him into contention. Under his guidance, KKR emerged as the league stage toppers and eventually clinched the title.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially considered several high-profile Australian coaches and IPL mentors, including Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower. However, Gambhir's success with KKR seems to have swayed the board in his favor.Gambhir's name gained traction after KKR's dominant performance in the IPL 2024. The team's emphatic victory in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad further solidified his credentials. Notably, Gambhir had a lengthy conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah after the final, fueling speculation about his potential appointment.According to India Today, Gambhir is now poised to replace Dravid as Team India's head coach. Despite lacking experience as a head coach at the national or IPL level, his success in guiding KKR to the IPL title has reportedly convinced the BCCI of his capabilities.The BCCI had invited applications for the head coach's role by May 27 and received over 3000 responses. The board is expected to begin the process of interviewing shortlisted candidates soon, with the Cricket Advisory Committee leading the charge.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed Mitchell Starc's delivery to dismiss SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma in the IPL 2024 final as "nearly unplayable." Starc's out-swinger kickstarted SRH's downfall, who were bowled out for 113 after batting first.Gambhir believes that while there is no such thing as an "unplayable" delivery, Starc's effort came close. "I don't know whether I should say that was an unplayable delivery or not, because we were taught that no delivery is unplayable, but it was certainly very close to unplayable," he said.Starc had a below-par season with the ball for KKR, but he managed to perform in the key matches, including the final. Gambhir labeled Starc as an X-factor, saying that players like him save their best for the big games."We always knew he was the X-Factor and he will become one at the right time. I mean, what other big matches could be there in the IPL? It was the Qualifier 1 and the Final. That is why I say that the big players wait for such occasions, they thrive on these occasions. Money is irrelevant. What Starc brings to the team was more important," Gambhir told Sportskeeda.Starc's performance in the final was crucial in KKR's third IPL trophy win, their first in a decade. He was named Player of the Match, finishing with 17 wickets in the tournament, including five in the two knock-out games.

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener, is widely expected to be appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid. While an official announcement is yet to be made, experts believe that Gambhir possesses the qualities necessary to lead the team to success.Gambhir's recent success as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has further enhanced his credentials. Under his guidance, KKR won the IPL title in 2024, adding to his previous triumphs as captain in 2012 and 2014.Former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who retired after IPL 2024, praised Gambhir's coaching abilities. "He has been at the helm, taken all the decisions (for KKR), be it sending (Sunil) Narine opening or getting Mitchell Starc in the auction," said Karthik. "He has that fire in him."Gambhir's track record as a player and coach reflects his winning mentality. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Karthik believes that Gambhir's experience and leadership qualities would be invaluable to the Indian team."India would do very well under him because I feel he has that fire that is required," said Karthik. "He will infuse that winning culture he has infused here (at KKR)."Former New Zealand pace bowler Simon Doull also endorsed Gambhir's potential as India coach. "He is a tough character, but I think he is very fair character and I think he'll do a great job if he were to take over," said Doull.Gambhir's tenure as India coach is expected to begin after the T20 World Cup in June. If appointed, he will be tasked with guiding the team to success in major tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a rollercoaster ride. Despite being acquired for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, Starc initially struggled, facing criticism for his poor performances. However, he silenced his detractors with exceptional bowling displays in the Qualifier 1 and final, leading KKR to their third IPL title.Starc's inconsistent start drew criticism from experts, but he remained unfazed. In a recent interview on Sportskeeda, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir addressed the criticism, stating that players should prioritize the opinions of their teammates over external voices."Experts judge you on your daily performances. If you get out on zero, they will criticize you. If you score a century, these same people will praise you," Gambhir said. "What the experts say, what the social media says, what the crowd says - it does not matter. What the people say in your dressing room think about you is important."Gambhir's comments highlight the importance of internal support and self-belief in the face of external criticism. Starc's ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it mattered most is a testament to his resilience and determination.The IPL 2024 season was a reminder that even the most experienced players can face challenges. However, it also showcased the power of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team. Starc's journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes who face setbacks and criticism on their path to success.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant IPL 2024 victory. As the team's mentor, Gambhir orchestrated a remarkable transformation, guiding KKR to their third IPL title after a decade-long drought.Gambhir's unwavering determination to bring glory to KKR was evident from the moment he joined the franchise. His mission was clear: to lead the team to its third IPL triumph. And he delivered.The joy of the KKR team after their IPL 2024 triumph was palpable. Even co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, a constant presence throughout the tournament, expressed his elation. In a heartwarming gesture, Khan invited Gambhir to join him on the dance floor, an offer that the latter politely declined.In a recent interview, Gambhir addressed his dance prospects after KKR's victory. With characteristic wit, he quipped, "You're asking the wrong person. I can neither dance nor sing. But I can certainly watch others dance and enjoy it. I did just that. Shah Rukh bhai has been incredibly successful in his life and will continue to be. But there's one area where he's unsuccessful: he couldn't make me dance. I believe he'll continue to be unsuccessful in this regard because I simply can't dance or sing."Despite his reluctance to dance, Gambhir's leadership and strategic acumen have earned him widespread praise. Reports suggest that he is a frontrunner for the post of Indian cricket team coach. However, in a recent interview, he hinted at a different path.When asked about KKR's status as a "trophy-winning dressing room," Gambhir said, "Today, you say this because we've won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we're still two trophies behind MI and CSK. I'm content today, but that hunger remains. We're not the most successful team in the IPL yet. To achieve that, we need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There's no greater feeling for me. But the journey has just begun."As the official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach has passed, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will pursue this opportunity or continue his mission with KKR. Regardless of his decision, his legacy as a transformative leader in the IPL is secure.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed star all-rounder Sunil Narine as the franchise's "MVP" after their Indian Premier League (IPL) triumph. Narine was named the 'Most Valuable Player' of IPL 2024, leading KKR to victory over SunRisers Hyderabad in the final.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, has witnessed Narine's transformation firsthand. He recalled Narine's shy demeanor when he first joined the team in 2012, but praised his growth both on and off the field."Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions," Gambhir said. "He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me."Gambhir emphasized Narine's unwavering commitment to KKR, despite his global success. "He was KKR's MVP even before the season got underway," Gambhir said. "The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder, and I'm sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket."Narine's impact on KKR's success cannot be overstated. In IPL 2024, he scored 488 runs and picked up 17 wickets, showcasing his versatility as a batsman and bowler. His ability to bowl economical spells and strike with the bat has made him an indispensable asset for the franchise.Gambhir's praise for Narine is a testament to the all-rounder's exceptional talent and dedication. As KKR looks to build on their IPL triumph, Narine will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their future success.

With the Indian men's cricket team's head coach position up for grabs, speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has hinted at the possibility of an Indian coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a frontrunner. However, Virat Kohli's childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has thrown a curveball by suggesting MS Dhoni as a potential candidate.Sharma believes Dhoni's experience and respect within the team make him an ideal choice. "He has played a lot of cricket and has won big tournaments," Sharma said. "He will have more respect in the dressing room and he has played this format for a long time."Dhoni's potential impact as a coach was evident during his stint as mentor for the Indian team during the 2021 T20 World Cup. His ability to guide and motivate players was highly praised.While Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, Sharma believes he could be a valuable asset to the Indian team as head coach. "Being able to plan for the team and manage it properly is most needed in the team," Sharma said. "Dhoni handled the team brilliantly when he was captain, despite having big players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag."Gambhir, on the other hand, is seen as a strong candidate due to his success with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. His experience as a former India player and his ability to develop young talent make him a compelling choice.As Dravid's contract ends this year after the T20 World Cup, the appointment of his successor is highly anticipated. The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach in the coming weeks.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir's Reconciliation: A Heartwarming Moment in IPL 2024The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a heartwarming moment between former teammates Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The alleged hostility between the two seemed to dissolve as they shared a warm embrace, demonstrating mutual respect and camaraderie.Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, put their past differences aside. Gambhir's return to KKR as a mentor proved to be a masterstroke, guiding Shreyas Iyer's team to their third IPL title. KKR dominated the final, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai, ending their 10-year title drought.Addressing the perceived rift with Kohli, Gambhir stated, "The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn't need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public."Gambhir also praised Kohli's six-hitting prowess, acknowledging the RCB batter's batting excellence. Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 games and winning the prestigious Orange Cap.Kohli reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event, saying, "People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you're booing. We're not kids anymore."The reconciliation between Kohli and Gambhir is a testament to the power of sportsmanship and the ability to move beyond past conflicts. It serves as a reminder that even in the competitive world of cricket, respect and camaraderie can prevail.

KKR's Mission: To Become the Most Successful IPL FranchiseKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has set an ambitious goal for the franchise: to become the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on Sportskeeda, Gambhir expressed his satisfaction with KKR's recent victory but emphasized that the journey towards greater success has just begun."We are still two trophies away from MI and CSK," Gambhir said. "I am content today, but we are still not the most successful IPL franchise. To do that, we need to win the tournament three more times, and that will require a lot of effort. Our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There will be no better feeling than that. But, the journey towards that has only begun."Reflecting on the emotions of winning the IPL for the third time, the former KKR skipper described the experience as indescribable. "When you head into the IPL, your first thought is to reach the playoffs. When you are close to the playoffs, you think about the top two. When you reach the top two, you want to get to the final, and then you want to win it. At every step, there has been excitement, challenges, and nervousness," he said."Today, sitting at home, I am a very happy man. IPL is such a league where you cannot take any team lightly. It’s such a high-intensity tournament that when you win it, you start feeling really good about yourself," he added.Having guided KKR to their third IPL title, Gambhir is now looking forward to spending quality time with his family, describing it as the best way to rejuvenate and relax. "For me, what’s next is the vacation with my girls and my wife. I am looking forward to it. You get rejuvenated with such breaks, as you don’t have to think about cricket at all. There is nothing better than spending time with family. After playing such a high-intensity tournament and winning it, there can be no better feeling," Gambhir concluded.