Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir on July 9 was named the new head coach of men’s cricket team. After Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach ended with T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, Gambhir was the frontrunner of the job. With Dravid leaving, batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey are not expected to reapply for the post too. Sports Tak has learned that Gambhir has recommended Abhishek Nayar as batting coach and Vinay Kumar as bowling coach. However, he seems happy with what fielding coach T Dilip has done with the team even though he had initially suggested legendary South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes’ name initially.
When Gambhir was Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) mentor, he worked with Rhodes. But Dilip who started the dressing room ‘fieding medal award’ during the ODI World Cup 2023 is likely to retain his place as Gambhir hasn’t pitched anyone’s name to replace him.
Gambhir had recommended South Zone’s Vinay name for the bowling coach but his recruitment is not final. As per the sources, the BCCI may bring another candidate for the job.
The coaching staff is likely to be announced in a few days. Their first assignment will be when India tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs.
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What Gambhir said after his appointment
“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!” Gambhir posted on X after he was confirmed as head coach.
Gambhir wanted to go to Zimbabwe
On July 9, a source told Sports Tak that Gambhir who appeared for the interview in Mumbai last month wanted to join the Shubman Gill-led second-string T20I side for Zimbabwe tour but his request was denied. Instead, National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman was sent with a young Indian side.
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