BCCI Appoints Gautam Gambhir as Cricket Team Head Coach

Appointment of Gautam Gambhir as Head Coach

• Announced by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on July 9, 2024
• Gautam Gambhir replaces Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after India's T20 World Cup victory
• Selected by a three-member Advisory Committee headed by Ashok Malhotra
• Appointed for a three-year term, from July 2024 to December 31, 2027
• Beats W.V. Raman for the position

Gambhir's Credentials and Experience

• Former opening batsman with 242 international matches across all formats
• Key player in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories
• No formal coaching experience, but mentored IPL teams Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders
• Led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 as mentor
• Awarded Arjuna Award (2009), named ICC Test Player of 2009, and received Padma Shri (2019)

Upcoming Challenges and Responsibilities

• First assignment: Limited-overs ODI series against Sri Lanka in July 2024
• Will oversee India's participation in major tournaments:
  • 9th ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan (2025)
  • 10th T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka (2026)
  • 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe
• Potential 3rd Test Championship final at Lord's in June 2025
• 10 Test matches scheduled in the next six months

Expectations and Impact

• Brings strategic acumen and fresh perspective to coaching role
• Given significant say in forming his support staff
• High hopes for improving India's performance in international cricket
• Positive reception from the cricket community