Gautam Gambhir had long been in the running for the post which was left vacant by the departure of Rahul Dravid after his contract expired following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
On July 9, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed Gambhir's appointment through a post on X (formerly Twitter): "It is with immense pleasure that I welcome MrGautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team."
"Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward."
It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr @GautamGambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his… pic.twitter.com/bvXyP47kqJ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 9, 2024
After serving as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 and 2023, Gambhir reprised the role for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. KKR won their third title, after 2012 and 2014: Gambhir had been their captain on both occasions.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his excitement to take up the role, saying that "serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life".
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… pic.twitter.com/N5YyyrhXAI
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 9, 2024
A statement to the media from the BCCI thanked outgoing coach Rahul Dravid for his time in charge, noting his "dedication to nurturing young talent and instilling sportsmanship and discipline in the team". It also confirmed that the members of Dravid's coaching staff — Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), T Dilip (fielding coach) and Vikram Rathour (batting coach) — would be departing the team. It remains to be seen who will be appointed to fill these roles.
Gambhir's tenure will officially begin from July 27, 2024, when India travel to Sri Lanka to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.
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