The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the national cricket team, succeeding Rahul Dravid.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following India's recent T20 World Cup triumph.
"It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr. Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team," stated Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Gambhir, 42, steps into the role with a rich legacy, having amassed over 10,000 international runs since his ODI debut in 2003. His appointment follows Dravid's successful tenure, which culminated in a T20 World Cup victory in Barbados last month.
"Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close," Shah noted, emphasising Gambhir's extensive experience and insight into contemporary cricket dynamics.
Gambhir, known for his pivotal role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup win, recently led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title, further showcasing his coaching credentials. Shah expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to propel Indian cricket forward, stating, "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 multifaceted career includes a stint in politics as a lawmaker for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he left in March to return to cricket coaching.
He now takes charge of the national team amid heightened expectations following their fourth World Cup title and first major crown since the 2013 Champions Trophy. His inaugural assignment as head coach will be the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in late July.
Additionally, the Indian team is on the lookout for a new T20 captain after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the shortest format post their thrilling World Cup final win over South Africa on June 29.
