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With the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, former Indian batting great Rahul Dravid's tenure as the men's national team coach ended, the wait has started for the next permanent head coach of the side. Ahead of the World Cup, former Indian top-order batter Gautam Gambhir was reported to be the next coach but there has been a delay in his announcement.
Gambhir emerged as the top contender for the national team job after multiple successful stints in the IPL where he mentored teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. In the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, LSG clinched the playoffs. Then in 2024 as Gambhir moved to Kolkata, he was pivotal in winning the IPL while building one of the most well-balanced teams in tournament history.
Why has BCCI delayed Gambhir's announcement as next India head coach?
However, since the media reports, no official confirmation has been made by the BCCI as the two parties are in salary negotiations. According to The Indian Express, Gambhir and BCCI are in the "final stages of salary negotiations". Whenever Gambhir's salary is finalised, the BCCI will make the announcement.
I would love to coach the Indian team: Gautam Gambhir
In June 2024, Gautam Gambhir was asked about him possibly being the next Indian head coach at an event at the Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Gambhir's response to the question was, "I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and more across the globe as well and when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?"
