The deadline to apply for the post of Indian men's cricket team head coach job ended on Monday (May 27). While the BCCI has remained silent on the development, Gautam Gambhir’s name is creating a buzz in the media, especially after KKR clinched the IPL 2024 title under his mentorship.
Amidst all this, former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has backed Gambhir to be a very good coach of the national team "if he does want the job".
The BCCI started its hunt for the head coach of the Indian cricket team last month. Rahul Dravid is currently serving as the chief coach and his term expires after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA this month.
With multiple reports claiming that Dravid is unlikely to re-apply, it seems likely that the Indian team will have a new coach at the helm post the T20 World Cup 2024.
The BCCI, in its advertisement, had mentioned that the tenure of the next coach will be over 3.5 years - July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027.
"I don't know whether he has applied," Ganguly told RevSportz when asked about Gambhir’s name doing the rounds as a potential candidate.
"Has he? If he has, he makes a very good candidate. He is honest, understands the game very well and has had success with the Knight Riders in the IPL. In Gautam, you have all the qualities you need in India's head coach."
"There is indeed a difference between coaching or mentoring a franchise, and coaching an international team, that too a high-profile team like India," he added.
Gambhir Gambhir recently tasted success as KKR mentor as the franchise defeated SRH in the IPL 2024 final to lift its third title.
Ganguly further opined that Gambhir would make a very good coach. "But I am sure Gautam will know it and is aware of it. He will know how to deal with stars like Virat and Rohit, and will surely adapt himself to the culture of the change room. It is not just about pushing your own thoughts. He will, I am sure, think and carry the change room with himself. But Gautam will make a very good head coach," he said.
"He is a strong character and a good cricket brain. If he does want the job, he will make a very good coach," Ganguly concluded.
