Rajasthan Royals have reportedly approached India head coach Gautam Gambhir for a new role with the IPL franchise, but the former opener is unlikely to take it up due to his ongoing commitments with the national team.
Sources familiar with the development told Aaj Tak, India Today’s sister channel, that one of the incoming stakeholders in Rajasthan Royals has approached Gambhir with an offer to be part of the set-up in a leadership position, potentially as a mentor, CEO or even a strategic partner.
The approach comes as the 2008 IPL champions are in the midst of an ownership transition, with new investors expected to come on board soon. As part of the restructuring, the franchise is understood to be exploring high-profile management additions to strengthen their cricketing operations.
Why Gambhir can’t take the role of RR
Despite Rajasthan Royals’ interest, Gambhir’s current position as India’s head coach makes it impossible for him to formally join the IPL franchise at this stage. Any involvement in a team role, ownership capacity or advisory position would directly conflict with his responsibilities to the BCCI and the national set-up.
Gambhir’s contract with India runs until the 2027 World Cup and he remains focused on India’s ongoing World T20 title defense in 2026. With the team already in the Super 8s, Gambhir’s priority is to lead the side through the business end of the tournament.
The former opener also has a proven track record in the IPL, making him an attractive figure for franchises looking for leadership at the top. Gambhir has been at the heart of Kolkata Knight Riders’ three IPL titles, winning twice as captain and once as mentor. He also mentored the Lucknow Super Giants who finished third in consecutive seasons and qualified for the playoffs under his watch.
While Rajasthan Royals may be looking to bring in the likes of Gambhir during a reshuffle of ownership, the India head coach’s current national commitments leave little scope for any such move, at least for the foreseeable future.
With the 2027 World Cup cycle and the prospect of the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Gambhir’s schedule seems firmly aligned with Indian cricket rather than a return to managing the franchise.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 17, 2026