Gautam Gambhir could return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in a coaching or mentorship role after the 2027 ODI World Cup.
According to reports, four IPL franchises are interested in bringing him back, with his former team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also among them.
Gambhir is currently India’s head coach, and his contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite, his future with the national team could affect the plans of IPL franchises looking to approach him for the 2028 season.
According to a reports, four franchises have discussed the possibility of hiring Gambhir. KKR is one of the interested teams, while preliminary discussions have also reportedly taken place between Rajasthan Royals and Gambhir’s camp. Two other franchises are also said to be interested, although their identities have not been revealed.
A return to KKR could be a different matter for Gautam Gambhir. He previously worked as the franchise’s mentor in 2024 and helped the team win the IPL title after a 10 year gap.
It is difficult to see him choosing another franchise over KKR if an opportunity to return to the team comes his way. Money may not even be a major consideration if he gets the chance to become KKR’s head coach again.
Before joining KKR, Gambhir served as Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor in 2022 and 2023, guiding them to the playoffs in both seasons. He also won two IPL titles as KKR captain in 2012 and 2014.
Since his move to the Indian team, both KKR and LSG have struggled to maintain their previous results. KKR finished seventh and eighth in the next two seasons, while LSG missed the playoffs in each of the following three seasons.
Gambhir has also guided India to two ICC titles, an Asia Cup trophy and an Asian Games gold medal during his time with the national side. His next move will depend on his international contract and whether he wants to return to the IPL.
