 "Gautam Gambhir's return to the Kolkata Knight Riders has led to a revival of fortunes for the two-time IPL champions. PTI")
Pakistan legend Wasim Akram feels former India player and Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir will be the “best candidate” to replace Rahul Dravid as head coach of Men in Blue. Dravid’s tenure will be over after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 and BCCI has already asked for applications for the post.
Read: BCCI reaches out to Gambhir for role of India head coach
“Yeah, he is the best candidate. It depends on whether Gautam accepts it. He has also left politics because it took too much time. It is a time-consuming job. He is a very intelligent person, so he realised it’s not easy. He has two lovely daughters,” Akram told Sportskeeda.
Akram explained why he feels Gamhir would do well as a coach.
“GG is very simple. Straightforward. Not a difficult person. But he speaks clearly, bluntly and doesn’t think twice, a quality that isn’t part of Indian cricket culture. In our culture, we say things that don’t offend people. But GG is someone who, if he doesn’t like something, will say it to your face. That’s his quality and that’s why everyone likes him. He gets aggressive at times, but that’s him as a person. He will bring that same aggression in the team, but it all boils down to whether he agrees to take up the role."
Read: Gambhir responds to those who question his serious demeanour
Gambhir recently helped KKR reach the playoffs in IPL 2024.
Akram also added that Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra and VVS Laxman can also do well in the job.
“I have heard some other names too. They have a lot of experience. Nehra has done well; he is a people’s person. Everybody loves him; they want to be around him. And Laxman is another very good choice. He is the NCA head, where Dravid came from after serving as India Under-19 coach. So, they have a system in place. If you ask me, any of these three Indians are good options. Stick to your own people. They have been doing well. Rahul did brilliantly and before him, Ravi [Shastri] had set an example. So yeah,” Akram added.