New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly attracted interest from four Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises for a possible coaching or mentoring role ahead of the 2028 season. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the franchises have held discussions about bringing the former India opener into their respective set-ups after his current assignment with the national team.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are among the franchises specifically named in the report. Two other teams have also reportedly expressed interest, although their identities have not been officially confirmed.
The development comes well ahead of the 2028 IPL season, with franchises believed to be assessing their coaching structures and identifying experienced personnel for the next cycle.
KKR and Rajasthan Royals among interested teams
Gambhir has a strong association with KKR, both as a player and as a mentor. He captained the Kolkata-based franchise to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 before returning as a mentor in 2024.
His return proved successful, with KKR winning their third IPL championship that season under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Gambhir’s strategic contribution to the team’s campaign strengthened his reputation as a successful IPL mentor.
Rajasthan Royals are the other franchise specifically mentioned in the report. The team, which won the inaugural IPL title in 2008, has reportedly held discussions with Gambhir’s representatives about a possible association.
The report also refers to two unnamed franchises. One is described as a team with a successful IPL championship record, while the other is yet to win its maiden title. Their identities remain unconfirmed, and speculation about which teams they might be should not be treated as established information.
Gambhir’s current BCCI contract runs until 2027
Gambhir’s immediate professional commitment remains with the Indian national team. He took charge as India’s head coach in July 2024, and his current contract is understood to run until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. His availability for an IPL role in 2028 will depend on whether his tenure with the national team concludes after the World Cup or is extended.
There has also been discussion about the possibility of the BCCI extending his contract through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If that happens, the IPL franchises interested in his services may have to wait longer.
Under the existing arrangement, Gambhir cannot simultaneously hold a coaching or mentoring position with an IPL franchise while serving as India’s head coach. Any future association would therefore depend on his national-team commitments and the applicable conflict-of-interest requirements.
Successful stints with KKR and Lucknow Super Giants
Gambhir’s record in the IPL as a leader and mentor is a major reason for the reported interest.
As KKR captain, he guided the franchise to two championships in 2012 and 2014. He later joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a mentor for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
LSG qualified for the playoffs in both editions under his mentorship. The franchise made the knockout stages in its first two seasons, establishing itself as a competitive side in the tournament.
Gambhir then returned to KKR as a mentor in 2024. The team went on to win the title, ending a decade-long wait for another championship.
After the 2024 IPL season, Gambhir moved into the role of India’s head coach. His departure from the franchise marked the end of a successful mentoring stint in Kolkata.
Franchises planning their coaching structures
The reported interest in Gambhir also comes at a time when IPL teams are evaluating their coaching and support staff arrangements for future seasons.
An experienced coach or mentor can influence team strategy, player development, auction planning and the overall cricketing structure of a franchise. Gambhir’s previous experience with two IPL teams, along with his work with the national side, makes him a potential option for franchises seeking leadership in their coaching departments.
However, the reported discussions do not mean that Gambhir has accepted an offer or agreed to join any team. No official announcement has been made by the coach, the BCCI or the franchises concerned.
No confirmation of Gambhir’s IPL return
For now, Gambhir remains focused on his responsibilities with the Indian team. His possible return to the IPL is a development to watch as franchises prepare for the 2028 season.
KKR and Rajasthan Royals are the two teams identified in the report, while the other interested franchises remain unnamed. Whether Gambhir eventually returns as a head coach or mentor will depend largely on the conclusion or extension of his India coaching contract.