Gautam Gambhir Appointed Head Coach of India Men's Cricket Team

Gautam Gambhir has been named the new head coach of the senior India Men's cricket team, as announced by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday, July 9. Gambhir, 42, will begin his tenure with the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which includes 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is, starting on July 27.

Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid, who served as head coach from November 2021 to June 2024 and stepped down following India's successful T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies. During Dravid's tenure, India reached the finals of the ICC World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup in 2023, and won the T20 World Cup in 2024.

The BCCI, in a media release, stated that Gambhir will oversee the development and performance of the Indian cricket team, focusing on fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while nurturing young talent and preparing the team for future global challenges.

Although Gambhir has no prior coaching experience, he has been a mentor for several IPL teams, including the Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the championship this year. As a player, he was part of India's World Cup-winning teams in 2007 and 2011. Gambhir's international career, spanning from 2004 to 2016, includes 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is.

Jay Shah welcomed Gambhir as the new head coach on X, highlighting his extensive experience and modern cricket insights. Shah expressed confidence that Gambhir is the ideal person to lead Indian cricket forward, given his clear vision for the team and his varied roles throughout his career.

Gambhir expressed his honour in returning to serve India, albeit in a different role, on X. He pinpointed that his goal remains to make every Indian proud, acknowledging the responsibility of leading a team that carries the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians.

Shah also praised Dravid for his successful tenure as head coach, noting his strategic acumen, efforts to nurture talent, and leadership that cultivated a culture of excellence within the team. Dravid's legacy, according to Shah, is a cohesive team unit that stands together through challenges and celebrates each other's successes.

BCCI President Roger Binny also commended Dravid's successful tenure and expressed confidence in Gambhir's appointment. Binny stated that Gambhir's experience, dedication, and vision make him the perfect candidate to guide the team forward, and he is confident that under Gambhir's leadership, Team India will continue to excel and make the nation proud.