Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is widely tipped to become the next Indian head coach. Last month, the BCCI invited applications for the head coach role during the Indian Premier League season, and many reports suggest that Gambhir is a leading candidate for the job. Although Gambhir lacks formal coaching experience at the international level, he played a pivotal role as a mentor in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win last month.
Gambhir also served as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, guiding the team to the playoffs. Additionally, he was a successful captain in the league, leading the Knight Riders to titles in 2012 and 2014.
As Rahul Dravid’s tenure ends following the T20 World Cup, former Indian captain Anil Kumble, who was head coach between 2016-17, believes Gambhir’s appointment could positively impact the Indian team. Kumble emphasized the need for a strong leader in the dressing room, and he thinks Gambhir fits the bill.
“You need somebody with a strong demeanor, and you want continuity,” Kumble told ESPNCricinfo. “Rahul (Dravid) has done a fantastic job, and hopefully, for him and India’s sake, he has a swansong with the World Cup. What you also have to keep in mind is that some of the senior players are coming towards the backend of their careers. You need players who go through the transition period and ensure India doesn’t miss out on quality in the bowling and batting departments. You pick and choose and transition through.”
Kumble noted that while Gambhir has the credentials to become the head coach, the BCCI will need to give him time to adjust despite his success with KKR.
“You have to give it time. He certainly is capable. We have seen Gautam handle teams. He has been a captain for India, for his franchise, for Delhi. He has all the credentials to be that. But coaching the Indian team is slightly different; you have to give him time to settle in. If he takes up the job, he will have the task of looking at not just the current lot, but also the future of Indian cricket,” said Kumble.
Gambhir has played with several current Indian cricketers, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, Kumble believes that familiarity is less important than suitability for the role.
“Today, you have been a part of the system in some form or the other. Whether you’re a coach or player, you’ve played with them or been associated with them in some form or another. It doesn’t matter that much. What you look at is the candidate’s suitability and not whether this particular coach has a background of playing with the players,” Kumble said.
“I think it’s important to choose the right candidate in terms of what they can bring to the Indian team, and someone who has the stature and the credibility to handle certain situations in the game. Someone who is not afraid to take those calls.”
