Two-time world champion and former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has been named the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Following a victorious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, he will succeed Rahul Dravid.
Jay Shah, the BCCI‘s secretary, made the statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team,” Shah posted.
“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. The BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey.”
Gambhir, who had a brilliant career as India’s opener across formats, recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 Indian Premier League as their coach.
During his playing career, Gambhir was India’s top-ranking player. He won the ICC Test Player of the Year title and was included in the World Test XI in 2009.
His incredible knock in the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final helped India win the tournament for the first time in 28 years. He was also the standout of the 2007 men’s T20 World Cup, which India won because of his knock.
Dravid, having led India to the final of the previous three ICC tournaments and victory in the most recent one, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, is replaced by Gambhir.