'"Like Strict Father": Gautam Gambhir's Ex-Teammate Explains Why India Coach Job May Not Suit Him

As the speculation on who'll be the next Indian cricket team head coach gains steam, there are several names that are doing the rounds. Current coach Rahul Dravid will be at the helm till the 2024 T20 World Cup, which runs till June-end. The tenure of the next coach will start from July and will run till December 31, 2027. An advertisement to apply for the post has already been released by the BCCI. The deadline to submit it is May 27. From CSK coach Stephen Fleming to DC coach Ricky Ponting to KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir, the names that are doing the rounds are varied. 

ESPN Cricinfo recently reported that Gambhir was approached by the BCCI for the India coach's job. The report further said the more discussions will take place after Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 engagement gets over.  

Gautam Gambhir's former Delhi state teammate Aakash Chopra, however, raised an important issue. he said that if there are seniors in the side, Gambhir's style of coaching may not suit the Indian cricket team.

"Not a bad choice, there is no doubt about that, because he is a straightforward person. He knows how to manage and build a team. I really rate him high when it comes to the auction. However, there will be no auction for the Indian team," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"Gautam Gambhir - the coach, Very strong personality. When there is a transition, a new captain is coming, then yes. However, if the team has a lot of seniors already, I will be a little wary because Gauti's style of working is almost like a strict father. When the father is strict, the children have to be a little careful," Chopra added.

"When you have very senior players in the team, you are looking for a big brother who keeps his hand on their shoulders and