Reports: Gautam Gambhir interviewed by CAC for India head coach role

On June 18, former India cricketer and current Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir appeared for the interview for the India head coach role. He is currently the frontrunner to replace Rahul Dravid as head coach and as per reports, he is the only one to apply for the position.

Gambhir attended the meeting via Zoom as Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) head Ashok Malhotra was present to interview him. As per reports, one half of the interview took place on Thursday, while the other half might take place on Wednesday, June 19. However, there isn’t enough clarity on the matter as BCCI officials are yet to comment on the same.

The CAC also includes former cricketers Jatin Paranjape and Sulakshana Naik. They, too, hold the power in the decision-making, but there aren’t too many options available, according to ESPNcricinfo. A few reports earlier had claimed that legendary cricketers like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene and Stephen Fleming for the head coach role but all four of them backed out, which were later quashed by BCCI Secy Jay Shah.

Also Read - Gautam Gambhir lone applicant for head coach role, to be interviewed today

No big honour than coaching your national team: Gambhir

Meanwhile, Gambhir previously expressed his desire to take up the head coach role. The 42-year-old mentioned that it would be a huge honour for him to represent a country of 140 crore.

“Look, I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians. And more across the globe as well. And when you represent India, how can it get bigger than that?” the former cricketer said at an event.

Jonty Rhodes is reported to be appointed as the fielding coach of the Indian team. He has worked with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants and can reunite with him again. Notably, the new set of coaches will be in charge till December 2027.

On the other hand, as per journalist Kushan Sarkar, BCCI are yet to finalize the North Zone selector. There have been no developments on the matter as well.

Some info on @GautamGambhir
1. He appeared for his interview with CAC on zoom from Delhi.
2. Apparently one round happened today and another round might happen tomorrow (May be Techical ke baad HR😄😄😄)
3. CAC head Ashok Malhotra is doing commentary in PUnjab T20 League and…

— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) June 18, 2024