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Gautam Gambhir steps into the shoes of Rahul Dravid as the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, marking a significant transition ahead of India’s upcoming tour to Sri Lanka later this year.

Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high note, guiding the team to victory in the T20 World Cup on his final day in charge. It marked a career-defining moment for Dravid, who, after missing out on World Cup triumphs as a player and captain, finally achieved the milestone as a coach.

The announcement of Gambhir’s appointment was made by the BCCI on Tuesday, underscoring his arrival with an official statement: “The BCCI warmly welcomes Gautam Gambhir to his new role within Team India. A stalwart of Indian cricket, Gambhir brings a wealth of experience and profound cricketing insights. Renowned for his exceptional batting skills and strategic acumen, Gambhir has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket.”

In a remarkable feat, Gambhir also etched his name in cricketing history as the first coach to secure World Cup victories in different formats. He played a pivotal role in India’s triumphs at the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011, both under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.

Gautam Gambhir’s influence in India’s World Cup victories cannot be overstated. His pivotal innings of 75 in the T20 World Cup final and 97 in the ODI World Cup final underscored his ability to perform under pressure on the grandest stages of cricket. Earlier this year, Gambhir showcased his coaching prowess by guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, impressing team management and paving the way for his appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team.

Now, Gambhir finds himself in a unique position, mentoring players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with whom he shared significant moments throughout his playing career. The prospect of these cricketing stalwarts collaborating under Gambhir’s guidance promises a thrilling spectacle for Indian cricket enthusiasts.

Following his appointment, Gambhir expressed his sentiments in an official statement to the BCCI, embracing the responsibility with enthusiasm and determination.

“It is an absolute honour to serve my tricolour, my people, my country. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their exemplary run with the team. I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for Team India” said Gautam Gambhir. 

“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” he further added. 

India recently clinched their second T20 World Cup title under the coaching of Rahul Dravid, marking a triumphant chapter in Indian cricket history. As the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir is set to kick off his tenure with the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka later this month. 

His role extends beyond immediate fixtures, as he prepares to lead India through several prestigious ICC tournaments over the next two years, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the T20 World Cup in 2026, and the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027.