Gautam Gambhir has now become India’s new head coach, taking over from Rahul Dravid. Dravid stepped down after India’s win in the T20 World Cup 2024, which was his last assignment as coach. Before the World Cup began, Dravid had already said he wouldn’t continue as coach after the tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Cricket Advisory Committee interviewed Gambhir and WV Raman for the coaching job last month. Gambhir, who used to play as an opening batsman for India and was part of the World Cup-winning team, emerged as the top choice for the role.
Recently, he also made a farewell video for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he coached them to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024.
Gautam Gambhir Appointed as India’s Head Coach
Gautam Gambhir has officially taken over as India’s head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid starting this Tuesday. Dravid said goodbye to Rohit Sharma and the team after guiding them to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, marking his final stint as head coach. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Dravid had already announced that he wouldn’t extend his contract beyond this ICC event.
Former India openers Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman underwent interviews with the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) last month for the national team’s head coach position. Gambhir, a World Cup winner, emerged as the top candidate for this prestigious role. Recently, he recorded his farewell message for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he served as mentor and led them to their third IPL title in 2024.
Gautam Gambhir has been confirmed as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, announced by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Shah expressed confidence in Gambhir’s ability to lead Indian cricket into the future, citing his extensive experience and deep understanding of modern-day cricket.
It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr @GautamGambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. 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… pic.twitter.com/bvXyP47kqJ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 9, 2024Also Read: Rohit Sharma Confirmed as India’s Captain for Champions Trophy, WTC Final 2025
Sri Lanka’s Tour of India
India’s upcoming cricket series against Sri Lanka marks Gautam Gambhir’s debut as head coach. BCCI secretary Shah has confirmed the appointment, stating that the new coach will take charge during the white-ball series this month.
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has interviewed and shortlisted two candidates, with the final decision expected upon their return to Mumbai. While VVS Laxman travels to Zimbabwe, the new coach will step in for the Sri Lanka series as planned.
Assistant Coach for Team India
Gautam Gambhir, set to lead Team India as head coach, has chosen a former Mumbai Indians (MI) star as his assistant coach. According to reports in Bengali newspaper Aajkaal, Gambhir intends to bring in Abhishek Nayar from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the role.
Nayar, who currently serves as director at KKR Academy, previously assisted Gambhir during his return to IPL in 2024. The report indicates a verbal agreement between Gambhir and Nayar for their upcoming collaboration if Gambhir succeeds Dravid as India’s head coach.
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Gautam Gambhir’s Journey to Team India’s Head Coach
Gautam Gambhir is set to make his international coaching debut, marking his first foray into coaching at this level. Prior to this prestigious role with Team India, Gambhir lacked coaching experience in competitive settings. He served as a mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during the 2024 IPL season after previously mentoring Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The 42-year-old, a two-time World Cup champion, boasts an impressive cricket career with 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is for India. He also led Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL victories.
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Gautam Gambhir Appointed as India’s Head Coach FAQs
Q.1. Who is Gautam Gambhir?
Ans. Gautam Gambhir is a former Indian cricketer and two-time World Cup winner who now serves as India’s head coach.
Q.2. When did Gautam Gambhir become India’s head coach?
Ans. Gambhir officially took over as India’s head coach after Rahul Dravid’s tenure ended post the T20 World Cup 2024.
Q.3. What experience does Gautam Gambhir have in coaching?
Ans. Before becoming India’s head coach, Gambhir mentored Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Q.4. What achievements did Gautam Gambhir have as a player?
Ans. Gambhir played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is for India, contributing to two World Cup victories and IPL successes.
Q.5. What are Gautam Gambhir’s goals as India’s head coach?
Ans. Gambhir aims to lead India’s cricket team with his vast experience and strategic insights into the game.
