Before assuming charge as India head coach, Gambhir mentored KKR to IPL 2024 title.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly been approached by Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a lucrative offer to join the franchise in triple role.
According to Dainik Jagran, Gambhir received a proposal from one of the three new investors in RR, offering him the position of "partner, mentor, and CEO."
Before assuming charge as head coach of the senior men’s Indian team, Gambhir mentored Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title in the 2024 season.
“A majority of Rajasthan Royals shareholders are selling their stake to the new owners. The deal is currently in a transferable state. One of the owners in RR’s new management has offered Gambhir a two-to-three per cent stake, in addition to the roles of CEO and mentor,” the report stated.
However, Gambhir won’t be able to accept the offer due to conflict of interest as long as he holds the India head coach post. As per recommendations of the Lodha Committee, a Supreme Court decision bars an individual from working for both the Indian team and an IPL franchise simultaneously.
If Gambhir were to accept RR’s offer, he would have to step down as India head coach. Sources close to the former India opener refused to comment but indicated that he remains committed to his current role. His contract with the BCCI would expire following the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Ever since his retirement from professional cricket, Gambhir has been a part of two IPL teams. He served as mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from 2022 to 2023, before joining KKR in a similar role for the 2024 season.
Gautam Gambhir is currently in charge of India's T20 World Cup campaign. The defending champions have qualified for Super 8s by winning all three of their group-stage fixtures so far and will play the Netherlands on Wednesday (February 18).