The Cricket Advisory Committee, consisting of Mr. Ashok Malhotra, Mr. Jatin Paranjpe, and Ms. Sulakshana Naik, has unanimously recommended Mr. Gautam Gambhir as the Head Coach of the Indian Senior Men’s Cricket Team. The former India batter will assume his new role starting with the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka, where Team India will play three ODIs and three T20Is beginning on July 27, 2024.
The BCCI opened applications for this position on May 13th to find a successor for Mr. Rahul Dravid, whose term concluded after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024.
The Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Dravid for his exemplary service as Head Coach. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, most notably leading India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024. Under his guidance, Team India also finished as runners-up in the ICC 50-over World Cup, 2023, held in India, and the ICC World Test Championship, 2023, in England.
Beyond these successes, Dravid’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of discipline and sportsmanship has been outstanding.
The BCCI also congratulates Mr. Paras Mhambrey (Bowling Coach), Mr. T. Dilip (Fielding Coach), and Mr. Vikram Rathour (Batting Coach) on their highly successful tenures. Their contributions have been invaluable, and the Board wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
The BCCI warmly welcomes Gautam Gambhir to his new role with Team India. The former Indian opener brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the game. Renowned for his exceptional batting skills and strategic insight, Gambhir has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket.
Gambhir’s remarkable contributions include key performances in the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greats. As captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he led the franchise to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. In 2024, he played a crucial role as a mentor, guiding KKR to their third IPL title.
In his new capacity as Head Coach of Team India, Gambhir will oversee the development and performance of the Indian cricket team. His focus will be on cultivating a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while also nurturing young talent and preparing the team for future challenges on the global stage.
Mr Roger Binny, President, BCCI said: “The Board would like to thank former Head Coach, Mr Rahul Dravid for his brilliant run with the team. Team India now embarks on a journey under a new coach – Mr Gautam Gambhir. 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. We are confident that under his leadership, Team India will continue to excel and make the nation proud.”
Mr Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI said: “We thank Mr Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their service and stellar effort in their tenure with Team India. The team enjoyed remarkable success across formats and being crowned champions at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 is a moment that the nation will cherish for a long time. The baton now passes on to Mr Gautam Gambhir who will don the role of Head Coach from the forthcoming series in Sri Lanka.”
“Gambhir has been a fierce competitor and a brilliant strategist. 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.”
“I am confident that he will inspire and lead the team to new heights. His vision for the future of Indian cricket aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are excited about the journey ahead. Congratulations to him and best of luck for this new journey.”
Mr Gautam Gambhir, Head Coach, Team India said: “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 honored and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for Team India.
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.”
