BCCI has named former Indian Cricketer Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Men’s Indian cricket team. Gautam Gambhir was a member of the Indian cricket team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2010 Asia Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup.
As Rahul Dravid’s tenure with the Indian cricket team ended after the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Gautam Gambhir was named as the new head coach of the Indian Men’s Cricket team.
Gautam Gambhir named as new head coach of Indian Men’s cricket team
After announcing his retirement in December 2018, Gambhir hasn’t coached any cricket team so far. But Gambhir served as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants(IPL 2022, IPL 2023) and Kolkata Knight Riders(2024).
Back in his playing days, Gautam Gambhir was a star at the top of the order for India. He won the ICC Test Player of the Year for 2009 and was named in the World Test XI that year. He also played a vital role in India’s success in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup.
The 42-year-old’s first assignment will be the upcoming India tour of Sri Lanka, which features 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is and kicks off on July 27.
“In his new role as Head Coach of Team India, Gambhir will be responsible for overseeing the development and performance of the Indian cricket team. His focus will be on developing a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while also nurturing young talent and preparing the team for future challenges on the global stage”, the BCCI said in a media release.
Following the appointment, Gambhir stated that he was “honoured” to take up the new challenge after his stint with KKR in the IPL 2024.
“India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians and I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true!”
India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians… pic.twitter.com/N5YyyrhXAI
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 9, 2024
BCCI president Roger Binny thanked Dravid for his tenure and hailed Gambhir as the “ideal candidate” going forward for India. Under Dravid, India reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 and the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and won the T20 World Cup in 2024.
“The Board would like to thank former Head Coach, Mr Rahul Dravid for his brilliant run with the team. Team India now embarks on a journey under a new coach – Mr Gautam Gambhir. His appointment as Head Coach marks a new chapter for Indian cricket.
His experience, dedication, and vision for the game make him the ideal candidate to guide our team forward. We are confident that under his leadership, Team India will continue to excel and make the nation proud,” Binny said.
Jay Shah welcomed Gambhir with a praising tweet on his official X handle. “It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team.
Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward.
His clear vision for Team India, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. The BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey,” Shah posted.
