Gautam Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid as head coach of Indian men's cricket team

Gautam Gambhir has previously served as the mentor to Indian Premier League sides Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.

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Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir

(Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men**’**s cricket team, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah announced on Tuesday.

Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid, who led the Men in Blue to the final of the ICC World Test Championship as well as the ODI Cricket World Cup in 2023, before winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Rahul Dravid stepped down from the role following India's victorious T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies. A former Indian Test captain, Dravid served a three-year contract with BCCI.

Gautam Gambhir will take charge from the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka where India are set to play three ODIs and as many T20Is starting July 27.

"It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team," Jay Shah wrote on X.

"Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. 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 clear vision for Team India, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. The BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey," Shah added.

Although Gambhir doesn’t have prior formal coaching experience, he has served as the mentor to Indian Premier League sides Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. Under his mentorship, Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL 2024 title.

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.

“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,” the BCCI said in a statement.

The 42-year-old former opener, who played 242 international matches for India across all formats, has won both the 50-over and T20 World Cups in his playing career.

Gautam Gambhir's contributions to the Indian team include crucial performances in India’s title-winning campaigns at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.

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