Gautam Gambhir has reportedly received a major offer from Rajasthan Royals, including roles as CEO, mentor and partner, plus a 2–3% equity stake amid ownership changes. Currently India’s head coach, Gambhir boasts IPL success with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, making him a sought-after leader.
Reports have emerged that Gautam Gambhir, currently the head coach of the India national cricket team, has been approached with a high-profile offer from IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. According to multiple media reports, as the Royals undergo an ownership transition, one of the new stakeholders has proposed a triple-role package offering Gambhir a position as CEO, mentor and partner, along with a minority equity stake (around 2–3 %) in the franchise.
The proposed package, reportedly outlined by Dainik Jagran, reflects the franchise’s intent to bring in a leader with a proven track record in the Indian Premier League. Gambhir previously enjoyed IPL success with Kolkata Knight Riders, leading them to championship titles, twice as captain and once as mentor, and also mentored Lucknow Super Giants to back-to-back playoff appearances.
However, Gambhir’s current commitments as India’s head coach, a role he assumed in July 2024, present a significant obstacle. His contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) runs through the 2027 One-Day World Cup, and under the Lodha Committee reforms upheld by the Supreme Court of India, individuals cannot hold a position with an IPL franchise while serving in a national team coaching role due to conflict-of-interest rules.
Accepting the Royals’ offer would require Gambhir to relinquish his position with the Indian team, a step he has so far shown no indication of taking. Sources close to the coach suggest he remains focused on his national duties, including India’s T20 World Cup campaign and future objectives like the 2028 Olympics cricket debut.
While the Rajasthan Royals’ approach highlights Gambhir’s enduring appeal and leadership credentials, his likely continuation with the national team means an IPL return in an executive or coaching capacity remains improbable in the immediate future.
Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Dodges Question On Pakistan Skipping IND vs PAK Clash At ICC T20 World Cup; Video
As the cricket world buzzes around the dramatic developments ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir was asked about the unfolding controversy surrounding Pakistan’s decision to boycott their scheduled match against India. The question came as Gambhir was departing from Delhi for Mumbai, where the Indian team is set to play a warm-up fixture against South Africa, but the former India star chose not to engage with the topic.
Gambhir, surrounded by media at the airport, thanked reporters for their support ahead of the tournament but ignored all attempts to get his reaction to Pakistan’s stance on refusing to play India in the World Cup match slated for February 15 in Colombo. Instead of commenting on the sensitive issue, he continued walking without offering a response.
The situation stems from a decision by the Government of Pakistan, which while permitting its national cricket team to participate in the T20 World Cup, has not granted approval for the side to take the field against India. This has left the future of what would normally be one of the marquee fixtures of the event in serious doubt.
The broader backdrop includes a history of political tensions spilling into cricketing relations. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series for many years, and their encounters in ICC events, though limited, have always attracted huge attention and intense rivalry on the field.
Gambhir’s silence reflects the sensitivity of the issue. As India’s coach, he has chosen to keep the focus firmly on cricket and preparation for the tournament, rather than engage in discussions that could inflame tensions or distract from the team’s campaign. The broader cricketing world is watching closely, with former players and officials weighing in on the implications of a boycott on one of the sport’s most historic rivalries.