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Former India opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, with the Cricket Board of India (BCCI) reportedly considering him for the role.
The BCCI is yet to send a formal proposal to Gambhir, but the former India opener is said to be keen on the job if approached. Gambhir is currently serving as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with whom he enjoyed great success as a player, leading them to two IPL titles and a Champions League T20 title during his tenure as captain from 2011 to 2017.
One factor that could influence Gambhir's decision is the involvement of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is the co-owner of KKR. The report suggests that a private conversation between Khan and Gambhir could play a key role in shaping Gambhir's final decision.
Gambhir, who was part of India's victorious campaigns in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, is known for his aggressive and determined approach to the game. He has also been praised for his leadership skills and his ability to motivate his players.
The BCCI is expected to make a decision on the next head coach after the T20 World Cup in Australia next month. Current head coach Rahul Dravid's contract expires after the tournament, and the BCCI is keen to appoint a successor who can continue India's recent success in white-ball cricket.
If appointed, Gambhir would become the second former India captain to coach the national team after Ravi Shastri. Shastri was the head coach of India from 2017 to 2021, during which time India won the 2018 Asia Cup and reached the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Gambhir's appointment would also mark a departure from the BCCI's recent trend of appointing overseas coaches. The board has appointed three overseas coaches in the past decade, with John Wright, Gary Kirsten, and Duncan Fletcher all having stints in charge of the Indian team.
Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach has been met with mixed reactions from fans and experts. Some believe that his lack of coaching experience at the international level could be a disadvantage, while others believe that his passion and determination could make him a successful coach.
Only time will tell whether Gambhir has the qualities to lead India to success on the international stage. But one thing is for sure: his appointment would be a bold move by the BCCI, and it would be fascinating to see how he fares in the role.
Source: On Gautam Gambhir's India Head Coach Talks, Report Underlines Key "Shah Rukh Khan" Factor