New Delhi: On Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir officially took over from Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach. Dravid’s final assignment saw him guiding the Indian team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Prior to the tournament, Dravid had announced he would not extend his tenure post the ICC event.
Last month, former Indian openers Gambhir and WV Raman were interviewed by BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the prestigious head coach role. Emerging as the top candidate, Gambhir recently wrapped up his duties with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he led them to their third title in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Jay Shah Welcomes Gambhir
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed his confidence in Gambhir’s abilities via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). He wrote, “It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr @GautamGambhir 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 #TeamIndia, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. The @BCC fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey.”
Gambhir’s First Assignment
Gambhir’s first series as head coach will be against Sri Lanka this month. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the new head coach would join from the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, stating, “Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly. CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two names and after reaching Mumbai whatever they have decided we will go by that. VVS Laxman is going to Zimbabwe but new coach will join from Sri Lanka series.”
Gambhir’s appointment marks a new era for Indian cricket, with the former World Cup winner poised to bring his extensive experience and strategic vision to the national team.