Gautam Gambhir wants former Indian cricket team star Abhishek Nayar to become his assistant coach after his appointment as Team India head coach, according to a report. Nayar and Gambhir worked together during IPL 2024 as they played a big role in guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to the title. Gambhir was the mentor of the side while Nayar was the assistant coach in the franchise. Nayar, who played for Mumbai Indians in his career, also holds the position of KKR Academy director. The report claims that Gambhir wants Nayar to join him as part of the Indian cricket team support staff in the future.

The report in Bengali newspaper Aajkal said that Gambhir already had a verbal agreement with Nayar during their time with KKR and it is expected that Nayar will follow if Gambhir gets the head coach job.

The Indian cricket team will have a new head coach from the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka starting later this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Monday but did not reveal who has been finalised to succeed the outgoing Rahul Dravid.

Former opener Gautam Gambhir is expected to succeed Dravid as the India head coach. The Cricket Advisory Committee has also conducted the interviews for the high-profile job and short-listed Gambhir and former India women’s coach W V Raman.

The appointment of a selector will also be made soon, said Shah, who is in the Caribbean with the India squad that won the T20 World Cup title on Saturday, beating South Africa by seven runs in the final.

“Both coach and selector appointment will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series,” Shah told select media.

The Indian team is due to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs starting July 27.

(With PTI inputs)