Gautam Gambhir is poised to become India's next head coach, following media reports that he is the sole applicant for the prestigious role.

The 42-year-old former cricketer, who amassed over 10,000 international runs across all formats, most recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL championship.Applications for the head coach position closed on May 27, with Indian media reporting that Gambhir was the only candidate to submit his application. His interview was scheduled for Tuesday, as per a report by the Indian Express citing sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The Times of India also described him as the "presumed front-runner" for the job.

After retiring from international cricket in 2018, Gambhir transitioned to a political career. In 2019, he was elected as a lawmaker for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he resigned from politics in March 2024 to return to the cricketing world, coaching the IPL's Knight Riders.The head coach position will become vacant following the T20 World Cup as the current coach, Rahul Dravid, decided not to extend his tenure.

India is seeking a coach to lead the team until the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. The BCCI has not yet made any official statements regarding the appointment process.Initially, there were speculations that other notable cricket figures such as former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, and Australians Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, might be considered for the role. However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah dismissed these reports, confirming that no Australian coaches had been approached.

India has not secured a global title since the 2013 Champions Trophy under their last foreign coach, Duncan Fletcher from Zimbabwe.

Gambhir's potential appointment marks a significant step as India looks to reclaim its dominance in international cricket.