No notable foreign name has applied for the India head coach job.
While Gambhir was already a front-runner, his name is getting more momentum after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lifted the IPL 2024 title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chepauk on Sunday (May 26).
According to a PTI report, the BCCI doesn't have too many quality options available at the moment. It is learnt that no notable foreign name has applied for the high-profile post, especially after BCCI secretary Jay Shah made it clear that the board is looking to hire someone who has risen through the ranks and is aware of India’s domestic structure.
BCCI's main target was VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy head, but the former India batter isn’t willing to take a full-time role which requires him to available for 10 months a year.
"The deadline is fine, but the BCCI brass wouldn't mind taking some more time before reaching a decision. Right now, the team will be busy with World T20 for the better part of the month of June. After that seniors will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe where any of the NCA-based senior coaches can accompany the team. So what's the hurry," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Moreover, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan shares a strong bond with Gambhir and it won’t be easy for the former India opener to leave an IPL team which has been a part of his identity.
Another factor that needs to be taken into consideration is whether the senior India players feel Gambhir can indeed be Rahul Dravid's replacement or not.
Notably, Dravid was roped in as chief coach in November 2021 for a two-year term, which ended after the conclusion of the 50-over World Cup last year. However, he was given an extension along with his support staff till the T20 World Cup 2024.
The BCCI, in its advertisement last month, mentioned that the tenure of the next coach will be over 3.5 years - July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
(With PTI Inputs)