'There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team' - Gautam Gambhir opens up on possibility of coaching India

Gautam Gambhir said that it would be a huge honour for him to coach the Indian team. According to various reports, Gambhir is leading the race to become India's next head coach after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends following the T20 World Cup 2024.

The former India cricketer received a lot of plaudits for reviving Kolkata Knight Riders' fortunes in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL), as he mentored the popular franchise to their third title and first in 10 years. Many fans have expressed their desire to see him become the next head coach of the Men in Blue. However, the 42-year-old remained tight-lipped on the matter for quite some time.

Also Read: 'He is passionate, he is honest' - Sourav Ganguly bats for Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach of Team India

During a recent interaction with young sports enthusiasts at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, Gambhir was asked by a young student whether he wished to coach India and how he would help the team win the World Cup.

"I would love to coach the Indian team. 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? It is not me that will help India win the World Cup, it is 140 crore Indians who will help India win the World Cup. If everyone starts praying for us and we start playing and representing them, India will win the World Cup. The most important thing is to be fearless.” the two-time IPL-winning captain said.

Gautam Gambhir's impressive record as mentor

Lucknow Super Giants roped in Gambhir as their mentor in their debut IPL season in 2022. The Delhi-born guided them to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 before signing for the Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2024. Gambhir was no stranger to the KKR environment, as he had led the team for seven seasons and won two titles in 2012 and 2014.

Also Read: 'The perception is far away from the reality' - Gautam Gambhir shares insight on relationship with Virat Kohli after warm embrace in IPL 2024

KKR had finished seventh in the last couple of editions of the IPL. Gambhir joined in and instilled a winning mentality in the team. Shreyas Iyer and Co. won nine games out of 14 in the league phase and lost just three. Two games ended without a result. They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 as well as in the finals to lift the coveted title.