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BCCI announces Gautam Gambhir as new Team India head coach

Gambhir's first task in command will be a white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, which will include three ODIs and three T20Is later this month.

The Indian apex cricket governing entity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of Team India.

GG will be India’s next head coach, following Rahul Dravid, who concluded his stint after guiding the team to triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Gambhir’s first task in command will be a white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, which will include three ODIs and three T20Is later this month.

The two-time Indian Premier League (IPL)-winning skipper assumes command of a team that is experiencing unprecedented success. Prior to winning the T20 World Championship recently, Team India also advanced to the finals of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 (WTC) and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The team is also on track to make a third consecutive WTC final next year.

Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said, “We thank Mr Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their service and stellar effort in their tenure with Team India. The team enjoyed remarkable success across formats and being crowned champions at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 is a moment that the nation will cherish for a long time. The baton now passes on to Mr Gautam Gambhir who will don the role of Head Coach from the forthcoming series in Sri Lanka. Gambhir has been a fierce competitor and a brilliant strategist.

“We believe he will bring the same tenacity and leadership to his role as Head Coach. His transition to the role of Head Coach is a natural progression, and I believe he will bring out the best in our players. I am confident that he will inspire and lead the team to new heights. His vision for the future of Indian cricket aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are excited about the journey ahead. Congratulations to him and best of luck for this new journey.”

Roger Binny, President, BCCI, said, “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.”

Gambhir has no previous coaching experience, however, he has worked as a mentor for two IPL teams. Particularly, the former Indian opening batter guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title this year, which strengthened his chance to become India’s new head coach.

As a player, he was a member of India’s World Cup-winning teams in 2007 and 2011. Gambhir played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is during his 12-year international career, which lasted from 2004 to 2016.

Ashish Shelar, BCCI Treasurer, said, “Congratulations to Gautam Gambhir on his appointment as the Head Coach. He has proven credentials as a champion player and he brings a winning mentality to the dressing room. His leadership and mentorship qualities on and off the field has been inspiring. I am confident that he will shine bright in this new role which will bring out the best in our team.”

Gautam Gambhir, Head Coach, Team India, said, “It is an absolute honour to serve my tricolour, my people, my country. 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 honoured 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. Cricket has been my passion and I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket – Mr VVS Laxman, the support staff, and, most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments.”

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