Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as India men’s team head coach, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed on Tuesday. Gambhir will take over the coaching baton from his former teammate Rahul Dravid, who took India to glory in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
Gambhir doesn’t have any prior experience of coaching the national team but has played the mentor role for Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. Under Gambhir’s tutelage, KKR became champions in IPL 2024, which was the franchise’s third trophy. Gambhir also took KKR to two titles in 2012 and 2014 as a captain.
As a player, Gambhir was part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007. He was also part of the 2011 ODI World Cup team and played crucial knocks in both finals against Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively.
“In his new role as Head Coach of Team India, Gambhir will be responsible for overseeing the development and performance of the Indian cricket team,” the BCCI said in a media release. “His focus will be on developing a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while also nurturing young talent and preparing the team for future challenges on the global stage.”
“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team,” Shah wrote on X. “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 Team India, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. TheBCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey.”
Speaking of his appointment, Gambhir wrote on X: “India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians and I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true!”
Meanwhile, under Rahul Dravid, India qualified for the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022, the final of the World Test Championship, and the final of the ODI World Cup 2023.
Lauding the services of Dravid, Shah said, “I express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Mr Rahul Dravid whose highly successful tenure as the Head Coach draws to a close. Under his guidance, Team India emerged as a dominant force across formats, including being crowned ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions!
“His strategic acumen, persistent efforts to nurture talent and exemplary leadership has instilled a culture of excellence within the team and that is also the legacy his leaves behind. The Indian dressing room today is one cohesive unit standing together through challenges while revelling in each other’s success.”
BCCI President Roger Binny also congratulated Dravid on a successful tenure and expressed confidence in Gambhir. “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. 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 said.
