Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's Midas Touch Extends to Kolkata Knight Riders, Reigniting Head Coach SpeculationGautam Gambhir's remarkable success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to soar, with the former Indian opener now guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title. After leading Lucknow Super Giants to two consecutive playoffs, Gambhir's mentorship has transformed KKR into a formidable force, showcasing their confidence and class throughout the tournament.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has flourished, leading the team with poise and determination. The team's success has reignited speculation that Gambhir could be in line to take over as head coach of the Indian cricket team after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends with the 2024 T20 World Cup.KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has been vocal in his praise for Gambhir's influence on the team. In a heartfelt post, Khan revealed how Gambhir's philosophy has instilled a sense of unity and respect within the squad."GG said if u can't support a single vision as a team....u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old," Khan wrote. "The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team....but a proof of each player being the best for the team."Gambhir's success with KKR has further cemented his reputation as a shrewd tactician and motivator. His ability to inspire players and create a winning environment has made him a highly sought-after coach.While the Indian cricket board has yet to make an official announcement, Gambhir's name remains at the forefront of discussions for the head coach role. His proven track record and his ability to connect with players make him a strong contender to lead the Indian team to future glory.

The search for India's next head coach is underway as Rahul Dravid's tenure nears its end after the T20 World Cup 2024. Reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the position, with Ashish Nehra and VVS Laxman also in contention.The BCCI has reportedly received few applications from foreign coaches, preferring candidates with experience in the domestic circuit. Despite the May 27 application deadline, the BCCI may delay the decision as players focus on the T20 World Cup.After the World Cup, the Indian team will tour Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The BCCI may send National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches for these tours. "The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision," a BCCI source told PTI.Cricbuzz reports that a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" close to the BCCI top brass has indicated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal." However, negotiations are ongoing, and no official announcement has been made.Gambhir faces challenges if he accepts the role. As a successful IPL mentor and TV expert, he would have to give up these roles. The demanding schedule of the Indian cricket team coach, requiring extensive travel, may also be a factor for Gambhir, who has a young family.

The search for India's next men's cricket head coach is underway, but one prominent name, MS Dhoni, is ineligible for the role. The BCCI requires applicants to be retired from all forms of cricket, and Dhoni continues to play in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings.Despite his retirement from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni's popularity and experience have made him a popular choice among fans. However, his IPL involvement disqualifies him from the head coach position.Dhoni's potential involvement with the team remains open. He previously mentored India during the 2021 T20 World Cup, and there are no indications that he will retire after the 2024 IPL season.The BCCI received over 3,000 applications for the head coach position, including some hoax applications. The final list of candidates has not been disclosed.Among the potential candidates mentioned in the media are Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, and Ricky Ponting. However, the BCCI has not confirmed any names.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a strong contender for the position of head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024. Prior to that, he was the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, who reached the IPL playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.According to reports, Gambhir's name is being seriously considered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the head coach role. The official deadline for application submission has passed, and a "very high-profile owner of an IPL franchise" has reportedly stated that Gambhir's appointment is a "done deal."However, the BCCI has not made any official announcement, indicating that negotiations are still ongoing. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that the next head coach should have a "deep understanding" of the Indian cricket structure, suggesting that an Indian candidate is likely to be appointed.Gambhir's credentials as a player and mentor make him a strong candidate for the role. As a player, he was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He is known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. As a mentor, he has guided two IPL teams to success, demonstrating his ability to develop and motivate players.If appointed, Gambhir would succeed Rahul Dravid, who stepped down as head coach after the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Dravid's tenure was marked by a focus on youth development and a resurgence in India's Test cricket performance.The appointment of Gambhir as head coach would be a significant development for Indian cricket. He is a respected figure in the game and his appointment would likely be welcomed by fans and players alike.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received an overwhelming response to its search for the next head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, with over 3,000 applications pouring in. The BCCI invited interested candidates to apply through a Google form earlier this month, and the deadline for submissions closed on May 27.However, the BCCI now faces the challenge of sifting through numerous fake applications, with imposters using the names of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, as well as prominent political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah."Last year too, the BCCI received such a response where imposters applied, and the story is similar this time," an unnamed BCCI official told the Indian Express. "The reason the BCCI had to invite applications on Google forms is it's easy to scrutinize the names of applicants in one sheet."Despite the influx of fake applications, the BCCI has confirmed that Rahul Dravid, the current head coach, has opted not to reapply for the role. Dravid's tenure will conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024, and he has expressed a desire to prioritize spending time with his family.While the BCCI has not yet disclosed the names of genuine applicants, speculation abounds regarding potential candidates. Former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Stephen Fleming are reportedly under consideration.The new head coach will have a three-and-a-half-year term, starting from July 1, 2024, and ending on December 31, 2027. The job description outlines the need for a willingness to meet the work expectations and pressures associated with handling marquee athletes, underscoring the magnitude of the 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.

Indian cricket is set to witness a significant change as head coach Rahul Dravid prepares to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach, with several prominent names being linked to the role.Initially, Australian legend Ricky Ponting and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming were considered frontrunners. However, Ponting declined the offer, while Langer and Flower also withdrew their names from consideration.Amidst the ongoing speculation, South African batting icon AB de Villiers has expressed his thoughts on the possibility of coaching the Indian team. While he acknowledged that coaching is something he might enjoy in the future, he ruled out taking up the role immediately."I absolutely have no idea. I do think I'll enjoy coaching. I think there's certain elements I won't enjoy as much, which I will have to learn. With time, anything is possible, and I can think on my feet and learn as I move on," De Villiers said.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's desire to appoint a long-term head coach who understands the Indian cricket structure. He also clarified that the BCCI has not approached any former Australian cricketer for the role."Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks," Shah stated.As the search for Dravid's successor continues, the BCCI will be evaluating candidates who can guide the Indian team to continued success across all formats.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied reports that former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer were approached for the position of head coach of the Indian senior men's team. BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board has not contacted any former Australian cricketer for the coaching role.Shah emphasized the significance of the head coach position for Team India, which boasts a massive global fan base and a rich cricketing history. He stressed the need for a highly professional coach who can nurture the team's talented players and elevate Indian cricket to new heights.Shah clarified that the BCCI is focused on identifying candidates with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and who have risen through the ranks. He believes that an in-depth knowledge of the domestic cricket framework is crucial for the coach to effectively guide Team India.Ponting had previously revealed that he was contacted about the head coach position but declined due to lifestyle considerations. He expressed his desire to coach a national team but acknowledged that the time commitment and conflict with his IPL involvement made it unsuitable for him at present.Langer, who was reportedly interested in the role, also withdrew his candidacy after receiving advice from Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul. Rahul cautioned Langer about the immense pressure and political dynamics involved in coaching Team India, which he described as significantly more challenging than managing an IPL franchise.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the head coach position. The board is expected to conduct a thorough selection process to identify the most suitable candidate to lead Team India into the future.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) faces a daunting task in selecting a new head coach for the senior men's team, with the deadline for applications approaching. The board has reportedly shortlisted several potential candidates, including Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene.However, enticing strong candidates has become challenging due to competition from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The commitment to travel with the team for 10 months a year until the 2027 ODI World Cup is a significant deterrent. All the shortlisted coaches currently hold lucrative positions with IPL franchises.The only candidate not committed to an IPL job is VVS Laxman, the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). While Laxman has reportedly expressed reluctance to take up the role, the BCCI has not ruled him out.Sources indicate that Gambhir is currently the frontrunner on the BCCI's wish list. The former India opener has reportedly developed a good rapport with senior players in the Indian team.The BCCI has not yet formally contacted any of the potential candidates, but discussions are expected to take place this week. The board is keen to make a decision before the end of the IPL playoffs, which are currently underway in Ahmedabad.The appointment of a new head coach is crucial for the Indian team, which is set to embark on a busy schedule in the coming months. The team will play a series of white-ball matches against South Africa and Australia before the T20 World Cup in October.