Rajasthan Royals has presented Gautam Gambhir with a substantial contract to take on a significant leadership position with the team. The initial champions of the IPL want Gambhir to perform three different roles as their franchise mentor and CEO and partner. Rajasthan Royals is prepared to grant Gambhir ownership rights in the team as a compensation method for his agreement to join the franchise.

Gambhir currently works as the head coach for the Indian cricket team which prevents him from accepting this contract. He remains dedicated to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 where he has not yet provided any updates to the franchise about his situation.

Gambhir will eventually return to the IPL after he finishes his responsibilities with Team India. He must serve his national responsibilities until 2027 when he can begin any IPL work after his contract with India ends.

Also Read | IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Deny RCB Permission to Use DY Patil, Protect Territorial Rights

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) established rules which currently prevent Gambhir from joining the Rajasthan Royals. According to BCCI rules, any coach working with the Indian national team cannot work with an IPL franchise at the same time.

This rule wasn't there since beginning. Coaches were allowed to perform both national and IPL duties simultaneously. Rahul Dravid used to coach India A and Under-19 teams while he worked with Delhi Capitals. The BCCI established this rule after IPL 2017 to prevent any potential conflicts of interest.

Dravid chose to quit his IPL position because of this regulation which required him to dedicate his time to Indian cricket. Gary Kirsten faced the same situation when he could not accept a national coaching position because of his IPL obligations.

Gambhir has an active contract with India which will last until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He might remain with cricket until 2028 when the sport returns to the Olympics. If he remains with the team, Gambhir has the chance to become the first Indian head coach who wins an Olympic medal.

Under Gambhir's management, India has achieved success in T20 matches as they have never lost a single T20I series. The board employs him because they trust him to fulfill his national responsibilities at this time.