(AFP/X Photo)
“After officially succeeding Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir’s appointment was confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on social media, followed by an official announcement from the BCCI. The 42-year-old former Indian opening batter, renowned for his pivotal innings in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup finals, will assume his new role starting with the upcoming Sri Lanka tour commencing on July 27.
In a tweet following his appointment, Gambhir expressed that serving India has been the utmost privilege of his life.”
“India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians and I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true!”
Before assuming leadership of the Indian men’s cricket team, the former world No. 1 Test batter also honored outgoing Indian head coach Rahul Dravid and his support staff, commending their exceptional tenure with the team.
“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,” Gambhir was quoted as saying in BCCI’s press release.
The two-time IPL winner expressed his eagerness to collaborate closely with VVS Laxman, who heads cricket operations and oversees the Indian team currently competing in Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series.
“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.”
Gambhir emerged as the frontrunner for the head coach position following his instrumental role in guiding KKR to victory in the 2024 IPL, where they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final on May 26 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
