Gautam Gambhir has been named as the new head coach of India, and BCCI president Roger Binny says the appointment ushers in “a new chapter” for the team.
Rahul Dravid, whose three-year stint came to an end last month when he guided India to their first T20 World Cup victory since 2007, is replaced by Gambhir.
Later this month, a white-ball trip of Sri Lanka consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is will commence the Gambhir era.
In their current T20I series in Zimbabwe, his old teammate from India, VVS Laxman, who is the director of cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, is temporarily in charge of the team. The third match in the five-match series, which is currently knotted at one, is scheduled for Wednesday in Harare.
“India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Gambhir stated on X.
“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.”
From 2003 to 2016, former opener Gambhir represented India in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is. He also helped the team win the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 50-over Cricket World Cup.
Before leading Kolkata Knight Riders to a third championship this season, the 42-year-old guided the team to two Indian Premier League championships as a player.
After India’s recent triumphs in all three formats, there will be a lot riding on him, especially because he takes over the team during a major transition in the playing group.
“His appointment as head coach marks a new chapter for Indian cricket,” Binny stated.
“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.”
Until December 2027, Gambhir will serve as the team’s captain in all formats for a period of three and a half years.
