NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir left his MP seat and mentorship role at KKR for this.
His paramount goal is to elevate Indian cricket to new heights.
Former opener Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as Team India head coach, confirmed BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday.He succeeds Rahul Dravid in this role and faces the challenge of maintaining the team's momentum following their recent victory in the T20 World Cup.
Gambhir's first assignment as the head coach of the Indian team will be the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. Team India is set to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is starting July 27.Dravid stepped down from his position as the head coach of the Indian team. His decision came after India's triumphant performance in the T20 World Cup, which took place in the United States and the Caribbean islands last monthThe former Indian cricketer's tenure as the team's coach concluded on a high note, with the squad securing the prestigious T20 World Cup title.
Shah took to social media platform X to make the formal announcement.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," Shah wrote on X.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 @BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey," Shah added.The BCCI also welcomed Gambhir in his role with Team India.
"The former Indian opener brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. Known for his exceptional batting prowess and strategic acumen, Gambhir has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket," BCCI said in a media statement.
"The Board also congratulates Mr Paras Mhambrey (Bowling Coach), Mr T. Dilip (Fielding Coach) and Mr Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach) on a highly successful tenure. The BCCI values their contribution and wishes them the best going forward," it further stated.
The BCCI also expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Dravid for his outstanding service as head coach.
"Dravid's tenure was marked by significant achievements; the most noteworthy being crowned champions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024. Team India also finished as runners-up in the ICC 50-over World Cup, 2023 hosted in India & the ICC World Test Championship in 2023 hosted in England.
Apart from the team’s dominance in bilateral series at home, Dravid’s dedication to nurturing young talent and instilling discipline and sportsmanship in the team has been exemplary."As Gambhir takes charge, his primary objective will be to ensure that the Indian team continues to perform at the highest level. He will need to work closely with the players and support staff to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address any weaknesses.
The expectations are high for Gambhir, given India's status as one of the top cricketing nations in the world. However, with his extensive experience as a player and his deep understanding of the game, he is well-equipped to handle the pressure and lead the team to further success.Gambhir, a skilled southpaw who significantly contributed to India's 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, recently led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title as their mentor.
Known for his serious demeanor, Gambhir ventured into commentary and later entered politics, serving as a lawmaker for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In March, he stepped down from politics to join KKR in the IPL, a team he had previously captained to two championships in 2012 and 2014.As Gambhir assumes leadership of the Indian team, he faces elevated expectations following their T20 World Cup victory, marking their fourth World Cup title and first major trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy.
"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," said BCCI President Roger Binny in a statement.
The Board stated that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe and Sulakshana Naik on Tuesday unanimously recommended 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 added.
"It is an absolute honour to serve my tricolour, my people, my country," said Gambhir in a BCCI statement.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their exemplary run with the team. I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for Team India.
"I have always taken pride while donning the Indian jersey during my playing days and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role.
"I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket – Mr VVS Laxman, the support staff, and, most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments,” Gambhir added.
