Watch: Gautam Gambhir Gets a Warm Hug from KKR Co-owner Shah Rukh Khan Before Joining Team India as Head Coach

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is set to join the Indian Cricket Team as the new head coach. Gambhir recently inspired the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a third IPL title win as a mentor but had to part ways with the franchise after just one season in charge.

Just a couple of months ago, Gambhir garnered massive praise from KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for guiding the team to a historic victory in the IPL 2024 final as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. The Bollywood Superstar kissed Gambhir’s forehead to acknowledge his contribution in the team’s success.

Before joining Team India as the head coach, Gambhir had a heartwarming encounter with Khan at the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai. In a viral video, SRK could be seen hugging the former India captain before the two had a brief chat.

Gambhir will take charge from the Sri Lanka tour, starting July 27 in Pallekele. However, according to PTI, the ‘financial nitty-gritties’ of his appointment as India’s head coach are yet to be worked.

But that’s the ‘last of his concerns’ at the moment as he is focused on getting a support staff of choice to prepare for the enormous challenges that await him during the three-year stint.

“For Gautam, it was important that he took charge and salary and other stuff can be worked out as it’s not going anywhere. It is similar to the case of Ravi Shastri in 2014 when he was first made Director of Cricket over head coach Duncan Fletcher,” a source was quoted as saying by the news agency.

The report further suggested that Gambhir will be given his own team to work with and will also closely co-ordinate with the NCA (National Cricket Academy) coaches, who look after the pathways teams (India A and U-19) as well as the targeted players.