Gautam Gambhir became Team India's new head coach after Rahul Dravid's stint came to an end after Men in Blue's triumphant campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024. BCCI confirmed the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as India's head coach on July 9, Tuesday. Gambhir's first project will be India's tour of Sri Lanka later this month, where the two teams will play a three-match ODI and T20I series. In his new role as national coach, Gambhir will reunite with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Gambhir had to step down from his mentor role with Kolkata Knight Riders to accept the head coach position offered by the BCCI. Under his guidance, KKR won titles in 2012 and 2014, and a decade later, in 2024, they secured their third title under his mentorship.
KKR head coach on Gambhir's departure
Meanwhile, KKR's head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who linked up with Gambhir to lead the team to a IPL 2024 title, believes the franchise would struggle without Gambhir's presence. He acknowledged the significant challenge of managing the team without Gambhir's input.
"We will enter the IPL as the defending champions, so it's going to be a big thing. Every year you play, every tournament you compete, is a big challenge for coaches, support staff, and players," Pandit told PTI.
"Everyone contributed, and similarly, Gautam, coming with his great experience as a captain and mentor, also helped the team. Obviously, his inputs and mentoring of the players equally benefitted. It's going to be a big challenge and a responsibility for us to rebuild the side but I'm sure we will do a fine job" said Pandit looking ahead to the IPL 2025 mega auction," he added.
Three-time IPL champions KKR have consistently retained Andre Russell and Sunil Narine as their two overseas picks in mega auctions. This year, both players have significantly contributed to the team's success once again. Narine secured the MVP award for his all-round performance, while Russell scored nearly 250 runs and took 19 wickets.
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"It's just one month or so after the IPL. We have to keep working as we do every year. We will discuss. As of now there has not been any discussions all our options are open" said Pandit.
The KKR head coach expressed his warm regards to Gautam Gambhir on his appointment as the head coach of the national team, noting that Gambhir's experience as a player will be invaluable in his coaching role.
"Obviously yes, We had a good rapport, discussing team strategies and planning with the captain to achieve better combinations. Obviously, we will miss the communication we had. We're extremely elated with Gambhir being appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. I'm sure he will do a wonderful job, as he has been doing over the last few years" added Pandit on Gambhir.
Chandrakant Pandit on Abhishek Nayar's KKR future
Meanwhile, during a conversation with News 18, Chandrakant also commented on Abhishek Nayar's future in KKR.
"This is also in the news. He (Nayar) has also done a great job with KKR for the last few years. He was equally valued to us. If someone gets the opportunity to excel in their career, one should be happy about that," he further said.
Before becoming an assistant coach and academy head for KKR, Abhishek Nayar had a successful playing career. He represented India in 3 ODIs and played for multiple IPL teams including Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings.
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