Former T20 and ODI World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir will be the successor of Rahul Dravid as the new Indian head coach. He will be taking over the office later this month as his first assignment will be India's tour of Sri Lanka. However, Sports Tak understands that ahead of joining the Indian team BCCI turned down Gambhir's wish to join the Men in Blue side from the Zimbabwe tour itself.
BCCI turns down Gautam Gambhir's request
Shubman Gill-led Team India is currently on the tour of Zimbabwe with NCA head VVS Laxman as their head coach. Gautam Gambhir expressed his desire to join the team from the Zimbabwe tour itself. However, top officials from BCCI turned it down and asked him to join from Sri Lanka tour, where India will compete for three T20Is and ODIs.
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir becomes new head coach of Team India, Jay Shah confirms Rahul Dravid's successor
ALSO READ: Gautam Gambhir put forward his KKR fellow Abhishek Nayar's name for coaching support to BCCI
“The BCCI welcomes Gautam Gambhir in his role with Team India. The former Indian opener brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. Known for his exceptional batting prowess and strategic acumen, Gambhir has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. His remarkable contributions to the Indian team that include crucial performances in the 2007 ICC World T20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, have cemented his legacy as one of the sport's greats,” BCCI wrote in their official statement.
“Gambhir also led his IPL franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two title victories in 2012 and 2014. In his role as mentor with KKR in 2024, Gambhir helped the team secure its third IPL title. In his new role as Head Coach of Team India, Gambhir will be responsible for overseeing the development and performance of the Indian cricket team. His focus will be on developing a culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork, while also nurturing young talent and preparing the team for future challenges on the global stage,” the statement further added.
Gautam Gambhir's reaction after becoming India's head coach
Gautam Gambhir reacted to his appointment as Indian head coach and said he has only one goal and that is to make India proud. He said that he will do everything in his power to makes the dreams of 1.4 billion dreams come true.
“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,” wrote Gambhir from his official ‘X’ account.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Not just Rahul Dravid, three World Cup-winning support staff also leave India camp after Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach
BCCI secretary Jay Shah also pens down heartfelt note for Rahul Dravid minutes before announcing Gautam Gambhir as new India head coach
'My goal is the same': Gautam Gambhir's first reaction after being appointed as new India head coach
