India’s cricket board named Gautam Gambhir as head coach on Tuesday, with the former opener taking over from Rahul Dravid, tasked with building on their recent World Cup triumph.
The 42-year-old’s first assignment will be the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which features 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is and kicks off on July 27.
Gambhir takes over from Dravid, who served in the role from November 2021 to June 2024 and stepped down following India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies. Under Dravid, India reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup in 2023, and won the T20 World Cup in 2024.
“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,” the BCCI said in a media release. “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.”
Gambhir doesn’t have previous coaching experience but has served as a mentor in multiple IPL teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the championship this year. As a player, he has been a part of India’s World Cup winning campaigns in 2007 and 2011. In an international career spanning 12 years, from 2004 to 2016, Gambhir featured in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is.
“It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr Gautam Gambhir 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 career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward” BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed Gambhir appointment on X.
“His clear vision for #TeamIndia, 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 further.
