The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the appointment of former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.
Gambhir will take over the reins from Rahul Dravid, who stepped down from the position following India’s triumphant campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024.
Gambhir’s appointment was officially confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday, who expressed his confidence in Gambhir’s ability to steer Indian cricket forward. Shah highlighted Gambhir’s vast experience and clear vision for the team, making him the ideal candidate for the coveted coaching role.
Gambhir, who played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, brings a wealth of experience to the table.
He has previously served as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, guiding them to the title in 2024. Gambhir’s successful stints with KKR and the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL have been instrumental in his appointment as the national team’s head coach.
In his first assignment, Gambhir will lead the Indian team in their upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, starting in late July.
The series will comprise three T20Is and as many ODIs. However, the team will be without the services of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, who have been rested after the T20 World Cup triumph.
Gambhir’s appointment marks a new chapter in Indian cricket, as he takes over the reins from the successful tenure of Rahul Dravid.
The BCCI has expressed its full support for Gambhir as he embarks on this exciting journey, and the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits to see how he shapes the future of the Indian team.
As Gambhir takes charge, his primary objective will be to ensure that the Indian team continues to perform at the highest level following their recent T20 World Cup triumph.
He will need to build on the team’s success and maintain the momentum, working closely with the players to keep them motivated and focused.