By Coincidentally or not, Kolkata Knight Riders coaches and mentors have been eagerly sought after by international cricket boards. Trevor Bayliss, who led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, was negotiating for an extension when England and Wales Cricket Board’s Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss approached him with an offer. Initially declining, Bayliss eventually accepted, reportedly due to an offer too good to refuse. Matthew Mott, once an assistant coach of KKR, was appointed head coach of the ECB’s white-ball side, and after KKR’s 2021 IPL final appearance, Brendon McCullum was enticed to become head coach of the ECB’s red-ball team in 2022.
The Gautam Gambhir saga unfolds next. The former India cricketer, having mentored KKR to a third title triumph, is considered a frontrunner for the post expected to be vacated by Rahul Dravid after next month’s World Cup. The buzzword inside the coach selection circle is ‘desh ke liye karna hai’ (‘we must do it for the country’), reflecting the shared belief between Gambhir and the BCCI. Gambhir, however, faces challenges. The India job demands about 10 months of travel, difficult for someone with a young family. Despite this, the role’s profile, charm, and stature could be professionally gratifying for Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense, aggressive approach.
Gambhir, a successful television expert and coach, has many career opportunities. The India job would limit his professional roles, unlike other professions where he can engage in multiple roles. Despite these considerations, Gambhir has told close associates that he is considering the approach. Monday was the application deadline, and though there is no confirmation, it is likely he has formally applied. A high-profile owner of an IPL franchise, close to the BCCI, has said Gambhir’s appointment is a done deal, though negotiations appear to be ongoing between the parties and possibly others too.
Discussions Between BCCI and Gautam Gambhir Regarding India Coach Role
In summary, the KKR coaching staff’s international appeal is evident, with Bayliss, Mott, and McCullum all sought after by the ECB after their stints with KKR. Gambhir’s potential move to coach the Indian team is highly anticipated, with his successful track record and no-nonsense approach seen as valuable assets. The decision, however, is complex, as it would require Gambhir to make significant lifestyle adjustments due to the demands of the role. Despite these challenges, Gambhir’s consideration of the offer suggests that the allure of coaching the Indian team is strong.
The delay in announcing Gambhir’s potential appointment indicates that negotiations are ongoing. The India coaching role’s demands and Gambhir’s existing commitments and family considerations make this decision particularly challenging. However, the professional prestige and the opportunity to lead the Indian cricket team could be compelling for Gambhir. His success as a coach and mentor, along with his no-nonsense approach, makes him a strong candidate. Ultimately, whether Gambhir decides to take on the role will depend on various factors, including the terms of the offer and his personal and professional priorities.
