Four IPL Franchises Reportedly Eye Gautam Gambhir for Coaching Roles Ahead of 2028 Season

Report Links Gautam Gambhir to Franchise Interest

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, four Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises are reportedly exploring coaching or mentorship roles for Gautam Gambhir ahead of the 2028 season. The reported interest highlights his reputation in franchise cricket, built through previous spells with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

While the identities of all four interested teams have not been publicly disclosed, the report claims that preliminary discussions have taken place between representatives from Gambhir's camp and the Rajasthan Royals. However, no agreement has been announced, and the reported conversations do not confirm that a deal is close.

International Commitments and Contract Status

Any potential return to the IPL dugout remains dependent on Gambhir's existing commitments to the Indian national team.

• Current Agreement: Gambhir took charge as India's head coach in 2024, following a successful stint guiding KKR to the IPL title that same year. His current contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
• Future Discussions: A possible extension until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has also been discussed.

If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides to retain him beyond his current agreement, accommodating an immediate IPL appointment could prove difficult. Consequently, interested franchises may need to await greater clarity regarding his international career.

Background in Franchise Cricket

Gambhir's background in the league includes notable mentorship roles:

• Lucknow Super Giants: Joined as a mentor in 2022, helping the franchise reach the playoffs in its first two seasons.
• Kolkata Knight Riders: Returned in 2024 as a mentor under captain Shreyas Iyer, helping end the franchise's decade-long wait for another championship.

Practical Implications and Verification

For now, a return to the IPL is a reported possibility rather than a confirmed development. Readers looking to verify these claims can monitor official announcements from the BCCI, the Rajasthan Royals, and other IPL franchises as the 2028 season approaches.