The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Gambhir will succeed Rahul Dravid, who stepped down from the position after the T20 World Cup in 2024.
Gambhir, who had a successful playing career, including pivotal contributions to India’s triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, brings a wealth of experience to his new coaching role. He has also served as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, guiding them to victory in 2012 and 2014.
The BCCI revealed that Gambhir will lead the team for a term spanning three and a half years, overseeing operations across all cricket formats. Discussions between Gambhir and the BCCI took place during the 2024 IPL season, where he guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory as their mentor.
Expressing his eagerness to guide the national team to success, Gambhir emphasized the honor and responsibility that come with coaching a team that represents millions of fans worldwide. His passion for the role was evident as he articulated his belief in the collective efforts of the entire nation in propelling India to victory in major tournaments.
With VVS Laxman declining the coaching opportunity and currently fulfilling duties as director of cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, Gambhir emerged as the top candidate to succeed Dravid. Meanwhile, Laxman is temporarily overseeing the Indian team during their ongoing T20I series in Zimbabwe.
Gambhir’s appointment as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team marks a significant chapter in his career, as he aims to lead the team to greater heights and bring more glory to the nation.
