Following the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, it was evident that the mentor of the champions’ side Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gautam Gambhir, was the front-runner for the Team India head coach role. However, multiple media reports suggested that former Team India women’s head coach W.V Raman is also interviewing for the role.

Meanwhile, one-time champion Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra opined on his decision to opt against applying for the role. The former India fast bowler said that the prime reason was that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

“Meri abhi kabhi us tareh soch nahi gayi hai. My kids are young. GG ke bacche bhi abhi young hai par sabki soch alag alag hoti hai, toh I am very happy where I am,” Nehra told Sports Today.

“I am not in the mood to travel for nine months (I never thought about it. My children are still young. Gautam Gambhir also has young children, but everyone has different ideas. That’s why I am happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months),” he added.

Gambhir took guard as head coach at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. His first assignment will begin with the first of a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

The former KKR mentor’s coaching staff includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches along with Sairaj Bahutule as the interim bowling coach and T Dilip retaining his position as the fielding coach.