Gautam Gambhir announced as new India head coach

(ICC) - Star of India's title-winning campaign in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2011, Gautam Gambhir has been named as the new head coach of the India men's cricket team.

India have announced former opener Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the men's cricket team. He will take over from Rahul Dravid after a successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

The announcement was made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on social media.

"It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team," Shah posted.

"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."

Gambhir, who had a stellar career as India's opener across formats, recently steered Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win as head coach in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League.

Back in his playing days, Gambhir was a star at the top of the order for India. He won the ICC Test Player of the Year for 2009 and was named in the World Test XI that year.

In 2011, his spectacular knock in the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup propelled India to a Cricket World Cup win after 28 years. He also played a starring role in 2007 when his knock in the final led India to a title win in the inaugural men's T20 World Cup.

Gambhir takes over from Dravid, under whom India reached the final of the last three ICC events, and triumphed in the most recent one – the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA.

BCCI president Roger Binny thanked Dravid for his tenure and hailed Gambhir as the "ideal candidate" going forward for India.

"Team India now embarks on a journey under a new coach, Gautam Gambhir," Binny said.

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."

Shah mirrored Binny's views and expressed confidence in Gambhir to "lead the team to new heights".

“Gambhir has been a fierce competitor and a brilliant strategist," Shah said in the statement released by BCCI.

"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.”

Gambhir stated that he was "honoured" to take up the new challenge after his stint with KKR in the IPL.

"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," the new head coach said.

"Cricket has been my passion and I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket, VVS Laxman, the support staff, and, most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments.”