Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir, who recently guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title as the team’s mentor, underwent an interview with the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Tuesday for the role of the national team’s head coach. It is highly probable that Gambhir will succeed Rahul Dravid, who plans to step down after India’s T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas.
Dravid had already extended his tenure following last year’s ODI World Cup but opted not to continue beyond the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal expressed strong support for Gambhir, labeling him as the ideal candidate for the head coach position. Akmal also suggested considering legendary pacers Ashish Nehra or Zaheer Khan for the role of bowling coach.
“Gambhir jo cheez chootha hai, wo sona ban jaati hai. Wo jis team se judta hai, wo successful ho jaati hai (Gambhir turns everything he touches into gold. Teams he associates with tend to succeed),” Kamran told Times of India.
“Team India doesn’t need foreign coaches. They have ample options and talent. After Dravid, no one can be better or bigger than Gautam Gambhir. He was a prominent player and will make an excellent coach. He’s the best choice India has right now.
“Gambhir was successful with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). As KKR’s mentor, they became champions under him. He’s a meticulous planner with an exceptional cricketing acumen. I’ve played a lot with him; we’ve shared meals and conversations. We’re still good friends and in touch,” he added.
“He’s the right person to coach Team India. He should be the head coach. India can consider Ashish Nehra or Zaheer Khan for the bowling coach role,” Kamran emphasized.
Current head coach Rahul Dravid is presently with the team for the T20 World Cup in the Americas. India topped Group A and is now in Barbados for the Super 8 stage, facing Afghanistan on June 20 in their first match.
Praising Dravid, Kamran Akmal acknowledged his significant contributions to Indian cricket as both a batsman and a coach.
“Rahul Dravid has contributed immensely to Indian cricket. Not just with his batting, but also as a coach. He’s implemented a unique model with Team India. He belongs to the league of greats like Tendulkar, Ganguly, and Dhoni, who have enriched Indian cricket. Team India should leverage the expertise of these legends as much as possible,” Kamran stated.
“Dravid started coaching at the U-19 level, moved to the NCA, and then took charge of the senior team. Look at his journey; he believes in building strong foundations. He’s shaped this current Indian team. While they dominate on the field, credit behind the scenes goes to Rahul Dravid,” he concluded.