The India men’s cricket team has named Gautam Gambhir as its new head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid.
On Tuesday, July 9, BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that Gautam Gambhir has been named the senior India Men’s team head coach. Starting on July 27, the 42-year-old’s first task will be the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which consists of three ODIs and three T20Is.
Gambhir takes over from Dravid, who served in the role from November 2021 to June 2024 and stepped down following India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies. India advanced to the 2023 ICC World Test Championship final and the 2024 T20 World Cup final under Dravid’s leadership. The country also won the 50-over World Cup.
“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,” according to a press statement issued by the BCCI. “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.”
Gambhir has coached several IPL teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the title this year, despite having no prior coaching experience. Both in 2007 and 2011, he played a part in India’s World Cup victories. Gambhir played in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 matches throughout his 12-year international career, which ran from 2004 to 2016.
“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team,” Shah posted to X. “Gautam has seen firsthand how quickly the game of cricket has changed in the modern era. I have no doubt that Gautam is the best person to lead Indian cricket forward since he has persevered through hardship and succeeded in a variety of roles during his career.
“His extensive expertise and distinct vision for Team India put him in an ideal position to assume this thrilling and highly sought-after coaching position. As he sets out on this new adventure, the BCCI is behind him wholeheartedly.”
Gambhir posted on X about his appointment, saying, “Serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. India is my identity.” It’s an honor to be back, even though my headwear has changed. But I still want to make every Indian proud, just like I always have. The dreams of 1.4 billion Indians are carried by the soldiers in blue, and I will stop at nothing to see that these dreams are realized.”
“I express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Mr. Rahul Dravid whose highly successful tenure as the Head Coach draws to a close,” Shah stated, lauding Dravid’s contributions. Team India became a formidable force in all formats under his leadership, winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup!
The team has an outstanding culture because of his strategic thinking, unwavering commitment to developing people, and model leadership. This is also the legacy he leaves behind. The modern Indian locker room is a single, harmonious entity that supports one another through difficulties and celebrates each other’s accomplishments.”
Along with congratulating Dravid on a job well done, BCCI President Roger Binny also showed faith in Gambhir. “The Board expresses gratitude to Mr. Rahul Dravid, the previous head coach, for his outstanding tenure with the team. Now, Team India will set off on a trip led by Mr. Gautam Gambhir, their new coach. For Indian cricket, his hiring as head coach ushers in a new era. He is the best person to lead our squad forward because of his background, commitment, and enthusiasm for the game. Binny stated, “We have no doubt that Team India would succeed and bring honor to the country under his direction.
