Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir emerges as the frontrunner to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the men's cricket team once Dravid's contract concludes at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite strong competition from veteran cricketer WV Raman, who reportedly made a significant impression during his virtual interview with the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee earlier this week, Gambhir's candidacy remains prominent.
However, Gambhir declined to engage in speculation about the India head coach position when queried at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event in Kolkata on Saturday. Refraining from divulging details, he opted to maintain a sense of intrigue surrounding the potential coaching transition.
"I'm not looking that far ahead. You're asking me tough questions. It's hard to say right now. All I can say is I'm happy where I am, just finished an incredible journey. Let's enjoy this moment. I'm in a very content place right now," Gambhir remarked during a 'Rise To Leadership' seminar.
Although Gambhir refrained from discussing his prospects, he did shed light on his coaching philosophy, emphasizing a "team-first" ideology.
"If you prioritize the team over any individual, everything else falls into place. If not today, then tomorrow or someday, it will come together," he remarked. "But if you focus on helping one or two individuals excel, the team will suffer."
"For me, the key mantra is team-first philosophy. I believe that team-first ideology is paramount in any team sport," Gambhir asserted.
The official appointment for the head coach role is expected from the BCCI by the end of June, depending largely on India's performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Should Gambhir be chosen, however, he is unlikely to join the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe starting on July 5.
According to sources, National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman will accompany the Indian team for the Zimbabwe series, with Gambhir set to assume coaching responsibilities from the subsequent Sri Lanka tour onwards. India is scheduled to compete in three T20Is and three ODIs against Sri Lanka next month.
"There's a possibility that Laxman, along with NCA coaches, will travel with the revamped squad to Zimbabwe. Laxman and the NCA team have consistently filled in during periods when Rahul Dravid and the primary team coaches have taken breaks," a BCCI source informed PTI.
