The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed the former opener and winner of the 2011 ODI World Cup, Gautam Gambhir, as the senior men's team head coach. The BCCI said Gambhir would take charge from the upcoming away series to Sri Lanka, including three ODIs and three T20Is beginning July 27.
"The Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik has unanimously recommended Gautam Gambhir as Head Coach of Team India Senior Men)," said the BCCI in its release.
It was announced by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on social media some time before the official announcement: "It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Mr @GautamGambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has experienced this evolution firsthand."
"Having excelled in various roles throughout his career, I strongly believe that Gautam is the right person to take Indian Cricket forward. His clarity of thought on #TeamIndia, along with the wealth of experience he brings to the table, makes him perfectly suited for this prestigious coaching role. The @BCCI extends full support to him as he begins this new journey," Shah said.
Gambhir was an intrinsic part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, while more recently, he was involved as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He applied for the post of head coach along with former India opener WV Raman.
Under Gambhir's leadership, KKR won their third IPL title in 2024, proving his great leadership skills. He had led KKR to the title way back in 2012 and then again in 2014. Gambhir, a former Member of Parliament from Delhi, was Team Mentor of Lucknow Super Giants before he took up the job at KKR.
The BCCI had invited applications for the head coach position on May 13 following the conclusion of Rahul Dravid's tenure post the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir and WV Raman were among those interviewed after BCCI clarified no discussions with former Australian players had occurred regarding the role.
"The Board expresses its sincere gratitude to Dravid for his outstanding service as head coach. Under his term, several notable achievements have been made, with crowning glory coming in the form of winning ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024. Team India emerged as runners-up in ICC 50-over World Cup in 2023 hosted in India and ICC World Test Championship in 2023 to be staged in England," the BCCI stated.
"The Board respects the support staff led by Rahul Dravid. The BCCI congratulates Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), T. Dilip (fielding coach), and Vikram Rathour (batting coach) and thanks them for their successful stint, appreciating their contributions and wishing them well for the future.
The BCCI welcomed Gambhir onboard his new role with Team India, as both the secretary and president came out in praise of the former opener's appointment.".
"The BCCI would like to extend a warm welcome to Gautam Gambhir in his new role with Team India. The erstwhile Indian opener brings along languid experience and in-depth knowledge of the game. Other than brilliance in terms of batting, coupled by great strategic acumen, he has already made an indelible mark on Indian cricket.".
His immense contribution to Team India includes some sterling performances during the 2007 ICC World T20, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, which have left an indelible mark on world cricket. Gambhir had also led his IPL franchise the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in 2012 and again in 2014. In the capacity of a Mentor with KKR in 2024, Gambhir contributed significantly to their third IPL title, pointed out the BCCI.
It also said that as head coach, Gambhir will be in charge of the development and performance of the Indian cricket team. "He will work towards creating an environment of excellence, disciplined practices, and a sense of teamwork, and developing young talent to prepare the team for all future challenges worldwide," it added.
BCCI President Roger Binny expressed gratitude to Rahul Dravid for all his hard work last term, while welcoming the new head coach, Gambhir.
"The Board expresses its gratitude to former Head Coach Mr. Rahul Dravid for his outstanding tenure with the team. Team India enters a new chapter under coach Gautam Gambhir. His experience, work ethic and vision for the game made him the ideal candidate to lead our team forward. We are confident that Team India will continue to excel and make the nation proud under his leadership," Binny said.
Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said, "We are indeed grateful to have had Rahul Dravid and his support staff serve the team so selflessly and help the team achieve such excellent results since taking charge. Under their tenure—first that of a transition phase and then handling of new players—had done outstandingly well in all formats and won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024, a momentous victory celebrated throughout the country. The baton now moves to Gautam Gambhir, as Head Coach, who takes charge from the forthcoming series with Sri Lanka.".
"Gambhir has been a fierce competitor and a strategic genius. We believe that he will bring the same intensity and leadership to his role as the Head Coach. His transition into this position, for me, is a natural progression, and I am confident that he will extract the best from our players," Shah further added.
Shah expressed confidence that Gambhir would take the team to newer heights. "He will inspire and guide the team to greater heights. His vision for the future of Indian cricket perfectly aligns with the objectives of our organization, and we look forward to the journey ahead. Congratulations to him and best wishes as he embarks on this new chapter," he added.
Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, took the opportunity to congratulate Gautam Gambhir on his appointment as the head coach of Team India. "Hearty congratulations to Gautam Gambhir on his appointment as the Head Coach of Team India. What an illustrious career and deep understanding of cricket—one could see him being tailor-made for this role. We are sure that he is going to have a very positive impact on Indian cricket. Best wishes for a successful tenure," he said.
Ashish Shelar, Treasurer BCCI, also congratulated Gambhir. "Huge congratulations to Gautam Gambhir on being announced as the Head Coach. A champion player with proven credentials, he brings along a winning mentality to the dressing room. His leadership and mentoring qualities, both on and off the field, have been inspirational. I have no doubt in my mind that he will excel in this new role and will bring out the best in our team," added Shelar.
Devajit Saikia, the joint secretary of BCCI, was elated with delight to welcome Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of Team India. "It gives me immense pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of Team India. His sterling career experience and caliber for strategizing will be of immense value to steer our players for still greater heights. The BCCI looks forward rather eagerly for an exciting journey with Team India ahead.
Reacting to his appointment, Gambhir expressed absolute honor and added he was looking forward to working with VVS Laxman, the NCA chief and BCCI Head of Cricket.
"I've taken great pride in representing India during my playing days, and it's no different in this new role. Cricket, the game, has always been my passion; I look forward to continuing to work closely with the BCCI, the Head of Cricket—VVS Laxman—the support staff, and more importantly, the players in our pursuit of success in T20 international cricket and other tournaments that we play," he said.
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