Report: Shah Rukh Khan offered Gautam Gambhir blank cheque to manage KKR for next decade

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir is reportedly a top contender to succeed Rahul Dravid as the head coach of India’s men’s cricket team. Sources suggest that Gambhir is interested in the role but has not yet submitted a formal application. The deadline for applications is May 27.

Gambhir, a former India opener, is expected to meet with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials on the day of the final in Chennai, where KKR will face Sunrisers Hyderabad. According to Dainik Jagran, while Gambhir is keen on the challenge, he will need to convince KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan to release him from his mentor duties.

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Before the current IPL season, Shah Rukh reportedly asked Gambhir to commit to KKR for the next ten years, offering him a blank cheque. Despite this tempting offer, Gambhir appears ready to consider a new challenge with the national team.

Gambhir has shown his leadership skills in the IPL, first with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and then with KKR. As a mentor, he helped LSG reach the playoffs in their debut season and the following year. His return to KKR as a mentor this season has been fruitful, with the team topping the league stage and reaching the final.

Several high-profile names are being considered for the India head coach position, among them VVS Laxman, Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Stephen Fleming. Each of these former cricketers brings a wealth of experience and a unique coaching style to the table. Ricky Ponting, who is highly respected in the cricketing world, recently revealed that he had discussions regarding the coaching role. However, he ultimately decided against pursuing it due to the demanding long-term commitment and the extensive travel involved, which would keep him away from home for nearly ten months a year.

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Despite the speculation surrounding these names, the BCCI has not approached any candidate individually yet. This leaves the field open, and Gautam Gambhir’s name has emerged prominently in the mix. Gambhir's proven track record, particularly in the IPL where he led KKR to two titles as captain and now as a mentor, makes him a strong contender. 

With the IPL final approaching, where KKR are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, all eyes are on Gambhir. His next move is eagerly awaited by fans and experts alike. If he decides to step into this prestigious role, it could mark a new chapter in his illustrious career and potentially bring a fresh perspective to the Indian cricket team’s coaching setup.