Former opener Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the head coach of Team India; BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed on Tuesday.
He replaces Rahul Dravid in the role and will face the challenge of maintaining the team’s momentum after the recent T20 World Cup win.
Gambhir’s first task as the head coach of the Indian team is the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. Team India will play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is from July 27.
Dravid resigned as head coach of the Indian team. His decision came after India’s victory in the T20 World Cup held in the US and the Caribbean last month. The former Indian cricketer’s tenure as the team’s coach ended on a high when the team secured the prestigious T20 World Cup title.
Shah announced on social networking platform X. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mr. @GautamGambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Today’s cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has seen this changing landscape up close.”
“Having endured adversity and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to take Indian cricket forward. His clear vision for #TeamIndia coupled with vast experience will position him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after role of coach @BCCI will fully support him as he embarks on this new journey,” Shah added.
BCCI welcomed Gautam Gambhir to the Indian team.
“The former India opener brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. Known for his exceptional batting and strategic acumen, Gambhir has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket,” BCCI said in a media release.
“The Board also congratulates Mr. Paras Mhambreyd (Bowling Coach), Mr. T. Dilip (Fielding Coach), and Mr. Vikram Rathor (Balling Coach) for being very successful in their tenure. BCCI appreciates their contribution and wishes them the best for the future,” it said.
“Dravid’s tenure was marked by notable achievements; most notably being crowned champions of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Indian team also finished second in the 2023 ICC 50-over World Cup held in India and the ICC World Cup 2023 held In England
Apart from dominating the team in the domestic bilateral series, Dravid’s commitment to nurturing young talent and instilling team discipline and athleticism has been exemplary.
Gambhir’s priority in taking over is to ensure the Indian team continues to perform at the highest level by working with players and support staff to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address weaknesses.
Expectations are high for Gambhir as India is one of the best cricketing nations in the world. But with his extensive playing experience and deep understanding of the game, he is well-equipped to handle the pressure and help the team succeed.
Gambhir, the skillful southpaw who helped India win the 2011 ODI World Cup, recently led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title. Known for his serious demeanor, Gambhir dared to comment and later entered politics as a legislator for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). In March, he left politics to join KKR in the IPL, which he previously managed twice in 2012 and 2014.
When Gambhir takes over the Indian team, he will have high expectations. After their T20 World Cup win, which marked their fourth World Cup title and first major trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.
“The board would like to thank former head coach Rahul Dravid for his excellent performance with the team. Team India will now begin their journey under new coach Gautam Gambhir,” BCCI president Roger Binny said in a statement.
The board said the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe and Sulakshana Naik unanimously recommended Gambhir on Tuesday.
“His appointment as head coach marks a new chapter in Indian cricket. His experience, commitment, and vision for the game make him the ideal candidate to take our team forward.
“We are confident that under his leadership, Team India will continue to excel and make the country proud,” added Binny. “It is an absolute honor to serve my tricolor, my people, and my country,” Gambhir said in a BCCI statement.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul Dravid and his support staff for their exemplary performance in the team. I am honored and excited to take up the role of head coach of the Indian team. “I have always been proud to wear the Indian jersey during my playing days and will be no different when I step into this new role. “I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Director of Cricket Mr. VVS Laxman, the support staff, and most importantly the players as we strive for success in the upcoming tournaments,” Gambhir added.
