In a surprising turn of events amidst India‘s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, reports have surfaced regarding a high-profile pursuit of the national team’s head coach. On February 17, 2026, news broke that a premier Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise has reached out to Gautam Gambhir with an unprecedented leadership proposal.
The offer comes as the franchise undergoes a significant ownership transition, with new stakeholders looking to secure a proven tactical mind. While the approach has created ripples in the cricketing world, the timing coincides with India’s unbeaten run in the ongoing tournament. For now, the move remains purely speculative due to rigid regulatory frameworks and existing national commitments.
IPL 2026: The triple-role proposal for Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir
According to a detailed report by Dainik Jagran, one of the three incoming stakeholders in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has presented Gambhir with a sweeping ‘triple-role’ package. The proposal reportedly offers him the positions of CEO, Mentor and Partner, effectively giving him total operational control and a seat at the ownership table.
The deal is said to include a lucrative 2% to 3% equity stake in the franchise, which is currently valued at over $1 billion during its ongoing transfer of shares. This approach stems from Gambhir’s legendary track record as a mentor, most notably leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 IPL title just before taking over the national job. By offering him a stake in the team, the new management aims to replicate that championship-winning culture in Rajasthan, where they are currently undergoing a leadership reboot with Riyan Parag recently named as captain for the 2026 season.
“A majority of Rajasthan Royals shareholders are selling their stake to the new owners. The deal is currently in a transferable state. One of the owners in RR’s new management has offered Gambhir a two-to-three per cent stake, in addition to the roles of CEO and mentor,” the report said.
🚨 RAJASTHAN ROYALS WILL HAVE NEW OWNERS IN IPL 🚨
– The new management of RR wants Gautam Gambhir to be their partner, Mentor and CEO. [Abhishek Tripathi]
Gambhir’s tenure ends in 2027 World Cup, as long as he remains with the Indian team, it’s impossible for him to accept… pic.twitter.com/bANgGlrK0h
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 17, 2026
Also READ: Fans react as Riyan Parag appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026
Will Gautam Gambhir quit as India head coach? Here’s what we know
Despite the allure of the Royals’ offer, Gambhir is legally and professionally bound to his current post as India’s head coach. Under the Lodha Committee’s conflict-of-interest guidelines, which were upheld by the Supreme Court of India, no individual is permitted to hold a position in an IPL franchise while simultaneously serving the national team.
Accepting the ‘Partner, Mentor and CEO’ role would necessitate an immediate resignation from the BCCI. Gambhir’s contract with India runs until the ODI World Cup 2027, and with the team currently favorites to win the 2026 T20 World Cup, he remains deeply invested in his long-term roadmap. Furthermore, reports indicate Gambhir is eyeing a potential extension through the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, where he hopes to guide India to an historic gold medal. Consequently, while the Royals’ offer is historic in its scale, the ‘Gautam Gambhir era’ in Indian cricket appears set to continue uninterrupted.
Also READ: IPL: Complete list of all Rajasthan Royals (RR) captains so far ft. Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson