Aoba Tanaka 
Among the myriad of moments captured at the Chepauk Stadium on Sunday night, one stood out: a brief but notable interaction between Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and Gautam Gambhir, sparking widespread speculation. The image of the two conversing amidst the IPL celebrations was fleeting, yet it hinted at something significant.
The encounter between Shah and Gambhir lasted over 15 minutes, drawing the attention of many present. They descended from the corporate box and conversed near the podium, seemingly deep in discussion. BCCI President Roger Binny and IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal briefly joined them to congratulate Gambhir on Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) triumph before leaving them to their private conversation.
This interaction has fueled ongoing rumors about Gambhir being a contender for the Indian cricket team’s coaching role. However, such a pivotal discussion is unlikely to be held amidst the post-match festivities. The BCCI would typically handle such matters in a more private setting.
Jay Shah recently outlined the BCCI’s criteria for the new coach. “Finding the right coach for our national team is a meticulous and thorough process. We are focused on identifying individuals who possess a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and have risen through the ranks. It’s crucial that our coach has an in-depth knowledge of our domestic cricket framework to truly elevate Team India to the next level,” he stated.
Gambhir’s understanding of Indian cricket and his straightforward approach could make him a strong candidate. His success with KKR adds to his credentials, though his historical differences with key figures like Virat Kohli may also be a factor.
Monday marks the deadline for coaching applications. Sources indicate that Gambhir has not yet formally submitted his CV, but there is still time. Following the IPL victory celebrations, which continued until early Monday morning, Gambhir took a flight to Delhi and was unavailable for comment.
Those close to Gautam Gambhir say he has remained silent on the matter since speculation began. When asked by KKR teammates and staff, he neither confirmed nor denied his interest, maintaining an enigmatic stance.
One IPL owner, closely connected to the BCCI, hinted that the decision on the next coach has already been made and will be announced soon after the IPL final.
Whether Gautam Gambhir will be the next coach or if the role will go to someone else remains to be seen. The cricketing world awaits the BCCI’s announcement with bated breath.
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