Gautam Gambhir Named Head Coach of Indian Men's Cricket Team

New Delhi – Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, succeeding Rahul Dravid. The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday through X.

Gambhir, a two-time IPL-winning captain, will start his tenure from July 2024 for three and a half years, leading the team in all three formats until December 2027. The BCCI had been searching for a new head coach since Dravid's tenure ended after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir emerged as the top candidate following discussions during IPL 2024, where he mentored the title-winning Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Gambhir's coaching experience includes mentoring roles with KKR and Lucknow Super Giants, leading them to significant successes in the IPL. His illustrious playing career saw him top-scoring in the finals of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories. He also captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

Gambhir was favored for the role after VVS Laxman, currently the Director of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy, declined interest in the position. Dravid, who took over from Ravi Shastri in November 2021, extended his tenure to help India secure their first ICC trophy since 2013 by winning the T20 World Cup 2024.

Gambhir expressed his desire to coach the national team at an event in Abu Dhabi on June 1, making him the front-runner for the position. His appointment marks a new chapter for Indian cricket, with expectations high for continued success under his leadership.