BCCI, Gautam Gambhir To Hold Head Coach Talks. On 'Virat Kohli Rift', Report Says...

The hunt for the Indian men's senior cricket team is underway with the deadline for applications just a week away. According to multiple reports, former India batter Gautam Gambhir is one of the top contenders to replace Rahul Dravid as head coach. Besides Gambhir, three Indian Premier League (IPL) coaches -- Stephen Fleming (CSK), Justin Langer (LSG) and Mahela Jayawardene (Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket) are also under BCCI's radar for the high-stakes job. Reports have also emerged that BCCI's Operations Team has also approached Gujarat Titans head coach and former India pacer Ashish Nehra for the job.

However, Nehra is reluctant to take the job as he isn't sure about doing a full-time job across formats. It has been learnt that the BCCI is likely to face more challenges in their hunt for a new head coach for the Indian team.

BCCI face a tough competition for the candidates from the IPL franchises. Also, the candidates are not sure about being on the road with the team for 10 months in a year till the next ODI World Cup in 2027.

As things stand, Gambhir remains BCCI's priority. According to a report in the Times of India, the BCCI is likely to speak with Gambhir in the coming days. Gambhir is with KKR (as a mentor) for the IPL playoffs in Ahmedabad, and the two-time champions reached the final of IPL on Tuesday.

"There has been no formal communication with the potential candidates. All these coaches are biding their time and weighing options. But it seems Gambhir's stocks have risen. It is likely that the board officials will speak with Gambhir in Ahmedabad where he is with KKR for the IPL playoffs," the report claimed.

The report also claimed that Gambhir is in touch with the senior members of the team, including