Reports: Gautam Gambhir interviewed by CAC for India head coach role

On June 18, Gautam Gambhir, the current coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders and a former cricket player for India, showed up for the interview to become the head coach of that country. As of right now, he is the front-runner to succeed Rahul Dravid as head coach, and he is the only applicant, according to reports.

Ashok Malhotra, the head of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), was present to interview Gambhir, thus he participated in the meeting via Zoom. The interview was conducted in two parts, according to reports; the second part may have happened on Wednesday, June 19. Though BCCI officials have not yet commented on the topic, there is not enough clarity.

Former cricket players Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik are also members of the CAC. According to ESPNcricinfo, they have the authority to make decisions as well, although there aren’t many possibilities. Prior rumours stated that famous cricketers Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene, and Stephen Fleming were in the running for the head coach position; however, all four of them withdrew their candidatures, which BCCI Secretary Jay Shah later refuted.

Being the national team’s coach is not a very high honour: Gautam Gambhir

In the meantime, Gambhir has already stated that he would like to become head coach. Representing a nation of 140 crore people would be an enormous distinction for the 42-year-old.

You know, I would really want to be the Indian team’s coach. Nothing is a greater honour than this. Being a national team coach is the ultimate honour. 140 crore Indians are represented by you. and even more everywhere in the world. And how much greater can it go when you represent India? stated the former cricket player during a gathering.

Also read: Reports: Gautam Gambhir is the only candidate to be interviewed today for the position of head coach

It is reportedly said that Jonty Rhodes has been named the Indian team’s fielding coach. He can work with Gambhir once more as they were teammates at the Lucknow Super Giants. Notably, the new coaching staff will hold office through December 2027.

However, BCCI has not yet decided on the North Zone selection, according to journalist Kushan Sarkar. Furthermore, nothing new has happened in this regard.