The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed the dynamic Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. The board hopes Gambhir will bring his “tenacity and leadership” to the role, following the “remarkable success” of his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. Gambhir’s arrival signals a shift in India’s coaching setup, as the former opening batter aims to assemble his own team of support staff.
Among Gambhir’s top choices for his coaching staff are Abhishek Nayar, currently an assistant coach with Kolkata Knight Riders, and former India and Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer R Vinay Kumar as the bowling coach. According to a report by RevSportz, Gambhir has submitted these names to the BCCI for approval. With Gambhir’s tenure beginning with the Sri Lanka series, the BCCI will need to act swiftly on his recommendations.
Gambhir, 42, emerged as the front-runner to replace Dravid, whose tenure ended on a high note with India’s title win at the T20 World Cup in Barbados last month.
“It is an absolute honor to serve my tricolour, my people, my country,” Gambhir said 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 honored 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.”
Gambhir expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the BCCI, Head of Cricket VVS Laxman, the support staff, and “most importantly, the players,” as they strive for success in upcoming tournaments. His first assignment as head coach will be the tour of Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs starting July 27.
BCCI President Roger Binny extended gratitude to Dravid for his brilliant tenure and welcomed Gambhir in an elaborate statement. “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 Binny.
The Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik, unanimously recommended Gambhir for the role. The BCCI had invited applications for the position on May 13.
“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 concluded.
