Gautam Gambhir shakes hands with Kumar Sangakkara (Source: AFP Photos)
In a shocking turn of events, Rajasthan Royals made contact with Gautam Gambhir, who is currently serving as India’s head coach. As reported by Dainik Jagran’s Abhishek Tripathi, the inaugural IPL champions are among four IPL teams who want to see Gambhir back in the world's most lucrative T20 competition as mentor.
Not to forget, Gambhir, as a mentor, helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a franchise whom he led to win two IPL titles in three years between 2012 and 2014, get the taste of the prestigious trophy once again in 2024.
Rajasthan Royals, 3 More Teams Eye Gautam Gambhir For IPL 2028
After that, the BCCI rewarded him by making a full-time India’s head coach across formats. Despite the fact that his current contract with the BCCI may run until World Cup 2027, franchises are making moves to prepare themselves for IPL 2028.
Important to mention that IPL mega auction will be for 2028 season next. So, Gambhir’s addition to whichever franchise will help them to build a team as per his authority.
Along with Rajasthan, KKR and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) representatives have spoken to Gambhir regarding the possibility of re-joining them. While Gautam Gambhir was with KKR in 2024 as a mentor, he was with LSG for the same role during 2022 and 2023.
Under Gambhir’s leadership, LSG reached the IPL playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
While talking about teams who have shown interest in signing Gambhir barring KKR and RR, the Dainik Jagran report further read: “One is among the most successful teams in the IPL, while the other is still awaiting its first title.”
What If Gambhir Remains India’s Head Coach Beyond World Cup 2027
Gambhir officially became India’s head coach on July 9, 2024. Since then, India have seen plenty of highs and lows. While Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026 were two of his most remarkable achievements, India’s Test defeats at home, followed by dismal show in white-ball bilateral series, raised many eyebrows.
Still, there is a possibility that India might keep Gambhir till the LA Olympics 2028, which will happen in July that year. At least, he might be there for white-ball responsibilities. If that happens, IPL teams might have to wait more than the 2028 edition to get his services.
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