Gautam Gambhir officially joined as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on July 9 in 2024 after the contract of Rahul Dravid was expired in June 2024. Out of the two candidates interviewed for the position by COC, Gambhir was more successful as the mentor of KKR in IPL 2024 and being a captain, he was considered a favourite for the role and was actually able to clinch the position too.
Domestic Talent Preferred: BCCI’s Clear Preference for Indian Coach
Other leading international personalities with big brand names like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene and Stephen Fleming were also said to be in the fray but BCCI’s choice was always an Indian for the Indian team.
Unlikely Contender: Ashish Nehra’s Decision to Opt Out of the Running
Another popular big name former Indian player whom many fans along with other ex-cricketers have considered to be perfect for the post was Ashish Nehra, who was a pacer but he also do not apply for the post. He also stated in the interview with Sports Tak, currently the 45-year-old cricketer why he does not initial an application.
As for him, he said his children were young, and he did not feel like touring for nine months.
“Meri abhi kabhi us tareh soch nahi gayi hai. My kids are young. GG ke bacche bhi abhi young hai par sabki soch alag alag hoti hai, toh I am very happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months (I never thought about it. My children are still young. Gautam Gambhir also has young children, but everyone has different ideas. That’s why I am happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months),” Nehra said.
Nehra, who had joined the Gujarat Titans in the IPL in the capacity of head coach for the three seasons has also scripted history in the year 2022 by becoming the first Indian to taste the victory of the IPL title as a head coach. In his second season the only Indian player who has the credit of being a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup winner team successfully led GT to the IPL final for the second time but could not get the trophy and was declared the runner up GT lost the match to Chennai Super Kings by five wickets.
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