Could Gautam Gambhir be stepping into a new role that shakes up the cricket world? A bold move is reportedly on the table, as former Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) are preparing a 'mega offer' to lure India’s head coach into a multi-faceted role as CEO, mentor, and partner. But here's where it gets controversial—this offer includes a minority equity stake in the franchise, believed to be around 2-3%. Is this a game-changer or a potential conflict of interest?
According to a report by Dainik Jagran, RR is on the brink of a significant ownership change, with one of the three potential new owners extending this lucrative proposal to Gambhir. However, this is the part most people miss: Gambhir’s current contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) runs until after the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the Supreme Court’s 'one man, one post' rule strictly prohibits individuals from holding a position with the national team while being associated with an IPL franchise. This means Gambhir would have to step down as India’s head coach to accept the offer—a decision that could spark heated debates among fans and experts alike.
Gambhir’s track record speaks for itself. His association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was nothing short of stellar, helping the franchise clinch three IPL titles—two as a player and one as a mentor. He also made waves during his two-season stint with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), guiding them to the playoffs both times. But is this enough to justify leaving his role with the Indian national team?
Currently, Gambhir is at the helm of India’s T20 World Cup title defense, with the team already advancing to the Super Eight stage. His leadership is expected to continue through the 2027 World Cup, and he could even eye the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles if granted an extension. Would stepping into the RR role be a step forward or a sidestep in his coaching career?
Meanwhile, RR’s current ownership structure includes India-born British businessman Manoj Badale, who holds a 65% majority stake through his firm, Emerging Media. Other stakeholders are RedBird Capital Partners (15%) and Lachlan Murdoch. The impending ownership change adds another layer of intrigue to this developing story.
What do you think? Should Gambhir consider this offer, or is his focus better placed on leading the Indian national team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
