Gautam Gambhir is set to be selected as India's next head coach unopposed as the former India cricketer is reportedly the only applicant for the role, according to a report in The Indian Express.

BCCI invited applicants in the first week of May, 2024 after current head coach Rahul Dravid expressed his unwillingness to continue as India's head coach after the ongoing T20 World Cup. The deadline to apply for India's head coach role was May 27. It was earlier reported no very few high-profile names had shown interest in taking up India's head coach role, mainly due to the stringent travel required for 10 months in a year.

It has now become clear that Gambhir is the only applicant. The report added that the former India opener is set to be interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee on Tuesday. Gambhir will appear in front of CAC Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjape, and Sulakshana Naik via Zoom call.

While Gambhir was always the BCCI's first choice, the absence of other applicants is a crude reminder that once a sought-after and high-profile job in world cricket now has very few takers despite the lucrative remuneration offered by the board. Big names are more than happy with the short stints at franchise leagues, which pay well and leave them enough time to spend with families.

Gambhir's stocks as the possible replacement for Dravid after the former opener did a fantastic job in reviving the Kolkata Knight Riders. After returning to the team he once led for seven years, Gambhir was instrumental in building a healthy team environment.

This was reflected in KKR's performance in IPL 2024 as they went on to lift the trophy after 10 years. This after, they ended up as the table toppers at the end of the group stage for the first time.

After interview, the CAC will give its recommendations to the board. The official announcement is likely to be later. "We are conducting an interview session for candidates for the post of head coach and selector. The CAC will submit its recommendation to the BCCI and the board will make an official announcement thereafter," BCCI source confirmed.