Rajasthan Royals have reportedly approached India head coach Gautam Gambhir for a senior role within the IPL franchise, potentially as a mentor, CEO, or strategic partner. The offer comes as the 2008 IPL champions undergo an ownership transition, with new stakeholders looking to strengthen the franchise’s cricketing operations.
Despite the opportunity, Gambhir is unlikely to take up the role due to his current national commitments. His contract as India head coach runs through the 2027 World Cup, and his primary focus remains on India’s title defence at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where the team is already in the Super 8s stage. Any formal involvement in an IPL franchise would directly conflict with his responsibilities to the BCCI and the national side.
Gambhir’s experience and proven track record in the IPL make him an attractive prospect for franchises. He won two IPL titles as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders and one as a mentor, and also guided Lucknow Super Giants to consecutive playoff finishes. However, with India’s roadmap including the 2027 World Cup cycle and the 2028 Olympics, his focus is firmly aligned with national cricket rather than franchise roles in the immediate future.
While Rajasthan Royals may continue to explore high-profile leadership additions, Gambhir’s current commitments make a move improbable in the foreseeable future.
