Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has endorsed Gautam Gambhir as the ideal candidate for the coaching position of the Indian cricket team, highlighting his intelligence and straightforward approach.

This comes as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks a replacement for Rahul Dravid, whose tenure is set to conclude after the T20 World Cup 2024.

Gambhir, a key figure in India’s 2011 World Cup victory, is currently serving as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Speaking to a YouTube, Akram emphasised Gambhir's suitability for the role, citing his no-nonsense attitude and candid nature as key attributes.

“Yeah, he is the best candidate. It depends on whether Gautam accepts it. He has also left politics because it took too much time. It is a time-consuming job. He is a very intelligent person, so he realised it’s not easy. He has two lovely daughters,” Akram stated.

The BCCI has already approached several prominent names for the coaching position, including Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming, and Justin Langer, before considering Gambhir, who has yet to respond.

Akram praised Gambhir for his direct communication style, which he believes sets him apart in the Indian cricketing culture. “He speaks clearly, bluntly and doesn’t think twice, a quality that isn’t part of Indian cricket culture. In our culture, we say things that don’t offend people. But GG is someone who, if he doesn’t like something, will say it to your face. That’s his quality and that’s why everyone likes him. He gets aggressive at times, but that’s him as a person. He will bring that same aggression to the team.”

Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain, has been instrumental in shaping the team's fortunes. However, since his departure as a player, the franchise has struggled to add more trophies to their cabinet.