Reports from February 17, 2026, indicate that India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has been approached with a landmark triple-role offer by the potential new owners of Rajasthan Royals (RR).
The offer reportedly includes the positions of CEO, Mentor, and Partner, with a minority equity stake in the franchise.
The “Sweeping” Triple Offer
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the Rajasthan Royals are currently in the midst of a massive ownership transition. A consortium is reportedly valuing the team at over $1 billion, and one of the three new stakeholders has extended this proposal to Gambhir:
- Equity Stake: A minority stake believed to be in the region of 2–3%.
- Leadership Roles: Serving as both the CEO and Team Mentor.
- Timing: The offer comes as Gambhir is leading India’s title defense in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where India has already qualified for the Super 8s.
The “Conflict of Interest” Barrier
Despite the prestige of the offer, Gambhir is unlikely to accept it in the near future due to strict BCCI and Supreme Court (Lodha Committee) regulations:
- One Person, One Post: An individual cannot simultaneously hold a position with the Indian national team and an IPL franchise.
- Mandatory Resignation: To join RR as a partner or CEO, Gambhir would have to resign immediately as India’s head coach.
- Current Commitment: Gambhir’s contract with the BCCI runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Sources indicate he remains fully committed to his national duties, including the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Why Rajasthan Royals Want Gambhir
Gambhir is widely regarded as the “King Midas” of IPL leadership:
- KKR Legacy: He led Kolkata Knight Riders to two titles as captain (2012, 2014) and returned as a mentor to secure their third title in 2024.
- LSG Success: He took the Lucknow Super Giants to consecutive playoffs in their first two seasons (2022, 2023).
- Franchise Reboot: RR is looking for a cultural overhaul after a disappointing 2025 season. While they recently re-appointed Kumar Sangakkara as head coach (replacing Rahul Dravid), they view Gambhir as the ultimate strategist for long-term dominance.