Gautam Gambhir set to be Team India head coach, to select his own support staff: Report

Prior to this, former India captain Sourav Ganguly had backed Gambhir for the India head coach role, saying "he is a good candidate". The former Indian batter, who was a key member of the team that won the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup, recently guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title.

Former Team India player Gautam Gambhir will reportedly be appointed as the new head coach of the Indian national cricket team soon.

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the decision was finalised on June 13, with an official announcement expected soon.

Discussions have already taken place with Gambhir regarding his new responsibilities, the report mentioned citing a source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as confirming that he is slated to succeed Rahul Dravid, who has been at the helm currently.

The report further stated that Gambhir will also have a say in selecting the support staff. Currently, the roles are held by Vikram Rathore (batting coach), Paras Mahambre (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).

Under previous coach Ravi Shastri, Vikram Rathore took over as batting coach from Sanjay Bangar. When Rahul Dravid assumed coaching duties, he retained Rathore but brought in Mahambre and Dilip based on his preferences.

Rahul Dravid's contract expires after the ongoing T20 World Cup, and Gambhir was previously speculated as the successor.

Gambhir's potential appointment stirred anticipation when he expressed his desire to coach the Indian team during an event in Abu Dhabi on June 2.

He had stated, "I would love to coach the Indian team. There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team. You are representing 140 crore Indians and those across the globe as well," said the 42-year-old at an event in Abu Dhabi on June 2. Prior to this, former India captain Sourav Ganguly had backed Gambhir for the India head coach role, saying "he is a good candidate".

The former Indian batter, who was a key member of the team that won the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup, recently guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title. And post-match meeting between Gambhir and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah kept social media users busy about Team India head coach speculations.