Four Indian Premier League franchises have reportedly approached Gautam Gambhir about taking up a mentor role ahead of the 2028 season. Gambhir is contracted to the national team until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the franchises are already exploring the possibility of bringing him back to the IPL.

He is currently in New Zealand, where India have taken a 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. Since taking charge in 2024, he has overseen successful campaigns, including the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup triumphs. He previously worked with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Four IPL Franchises Eye Gautam Gambhir for 2028 Season

According to Jagran News, four IPL franchises have held discussions about appointing Gautam Gambhir as their mentor or coach for the 2028 season. His current contract with the BCCI runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

However, it remains unclear whether the BCCI will extend his tenure until the 2028 Olympics. If his contract continues beyond the World Cup, the interested franchises may have to wait longer for his services. BCCI conflict-of-interest rules also prevent him from holding a role with the national team and an IPL position simultaneously.

Gambhir has reportedly held discussions with his former franchise KKR and Rajasthan Royals. Two other teams have also shown interest, although their identities remain unknown. One is among the most successful franchises in IPL history, while the other is yet to win its maiden title.

Some of the interested teams are rebuilding their coaching setups ahead of the 2028 season and are keen to bring in an experienced mentor.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Record with Indian Team

Gautam Gambhir's record with the Indian team has strengthened his standing as a white-ball coach. India won the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup under his guidance in 2026.

Since 2024, India have won bilateral series against Sri Lanka (3-0), Bangladesh (3-0), South Africa (3-1), England (4-1) and Australia (2-1). They have also taken a 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Gambhir's record with the national team, along with his previous IPL success, has made him an attractive option for franchises planning their coaching structures for the next cycle.

Gautam Gambhir's IPL Record as Player, Captain and Mentor

Gautam Gambhir began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils, representing the franchise from 2008 to 2010 before returning for the 2018 season. He stepped down as captain midway through his final campaign, handing over the leadership to Shreyas Iyer.

Gambhir joined KKR in 2011 and led the franchise to its first two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. Under his captaincy, Kolkata also reached the playoffs five times, establishing themselves as one of the league's leading teams.

After retiring as a player, Gambhir joined Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor in 2022. The franchise reached the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, its first two seasons in the competition. He then returned to KKR as a mentor ahead of the 2024 season.

KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan personally invited Gambhir to his residence, Mannat, and requested him to return to the franchise. Under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, Kolkata won nine of their 14 league matches, finished at the top of the table and secured their third IPL title after a 10-year wait.

Gambhir left KKR after the 2024 triumph to take charge of the Indian team. The franchise finished seventh in 2025 and eighth in 2026, missing the playoffs in both seasons. LSG also struggled after his departure, finishing seventh in 2024 and 2025 before ending the 2026 season in 10th place.