When Will Gautam Gambhir Take Over As Team Indias Head Coach? Details Inside
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Salary Negotiations: The Final Hurdle
The primary reason for the delay in Gambhir’s official announcement is the ongoing salary negotiations with the BCCI. According to sources, both parties are in the “final stages of salary negotiations.” The BCCI’s policy on the remuneration of the head coach is flexible, with the final amount expected to reflect Gambhir’s experience and value to the team. Reports indicate that Gambhir is likely to draw a higher salary than his predecessor, Rahul Dravid, whose yearly remuneration was around ₹12 crore.
Gambhir’s Credentials and Coaching Experience
Despite his lack of national-level coaching experience, Gambhir’s coaching stint in the IPL has been noteworthy. He served as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants before switching to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last year. Under his mentorship, KKR clinched the IPL title, ending a decade-long drought. Gambhir’s strategic prowess and ability to inspire players make him a promising candidate for the national team’s head coach.
Transition Period: VVS Laxman at the Helm
While the negotiations continue, VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), is currently overseeing the Indian team in their tour of Zimbabwe. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India will embark on their upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka with a new head coach, indicating that an announcement is imminent.
Revamping the Support Staff
In tandem with appointing a new head coach, the BCCI will soon invite applications for the team’s support staff. The contracts of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip concluded with the T20 World Cup. Traditionally, the head coach plays a pivotal role in selecting his support staff, and Gambhir is expected to have a significant say in this process once his appointment is formalized.