It’s conceivable that Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid will be replaced directly, as the T20 World Cup-winning Indian coach would be the new coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Gautam Gambhir was signed on as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the 2024 season began, with co-owner Shah Rukh allegedly giving him a 10-year plan. However, Gambhir found it difficult to resist the temptation when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offer came calling. Rahul Dravid has reportedly been approached to replace Gambhir as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Following his team’s victory against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Dravid made jokes about being “jobless” and asked reporters if they had any offers. Teams are naturally lined up to sign a player with Dravid’s caliber of skill and gold-worthy experience in Indian cricket.
Being away from his family for ten months of the year while traveling made Dravid decide not to stay as the Indian team’s head coach. The Indian Premier League is distinct, though. Dravid could find it attractive that he need just spend two to three months a year with the team in the T20 competition.
KKR’s bosses have reportedly put Dravid’s name at the top of their shortlist for the role that Gambhir will be leaving. According to a report by News 18 Bangla, several IPL franchises are keen to hire Dravid as coach or mentor ahead of the 2025 season. The Knight Riders are also reportedly considering hiring him, though no formal discussions have taken place as of yet. Gambhir’s impending departure to the Indian team would leave a big void at KKR, though the team greatly benefited from his guidance and won the IPL 2024 title.
The former captain of India has previously served as a coach and mentor for IPL teams. Dravid coached the Delhi Daredevils team until resigning in 2017 due to a “conflict of interest.” Dravid has coached India’s younger sides, including India A and Under-19, since his IPL career ended.
Before accepting the India position in 2021, he was most recently the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
