Gautam Gambhir has etched his name in cricketing history yet again. The former Indian cricketer, who replaced Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has become the first coach in the world to have won World Cups in different formats. This remarkable achievement highlights Gambhir’s versatility and prowess, both as a player and now as a coach.
Gambhir steps into the role following the departure of Rahul Dravid, who led India to a stunning victory in the T20 World Cup. Dravid’s tenure was marked by significant achievements, but it was time for a new leader, and Gambhir was the clear front-runner. His success in guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL win in 2024 showcased his strategic acumen and leadership qualities, making him the perfect candidate for the national team’s head coach position. The official announcement of Gambhir’s appointment was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday.
Gambhir’s coaching record is now as impressive as his playing career. He played a crucial role in India’s win in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was the top scorer in the final against Pakistan with a vital 75 runs. He was also instrumental in India’s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup, where his innings of 97 in the final helped India chase down a challenging target. These performances underline Gambhir’s ability to deliver under pressure, a trait he now brings to his coaching role. He won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and The ODI World Cup in 2011 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
Reacting to his new appointment, Gambhir expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to advancing Indian cricket. “It is an absolute honour to serve my tricolour, my people, my country. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their exemplary run with the team. I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Head Coach for Team India,” Gambhir said.
With Gambhir at the helm, Indian cricket fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter. His leadership, experience, and commitment to excellence are expected to bring continued success and glory to the team.
The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on March 22nd, 2024, with ten teams aiming for the trophy. The Australian speedster, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in IPL history, donning the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) jersey after a staggering bid of INR 24.75 crores. Each franchise boasts its strengths and faces unique challenges.
In a dominant display of their supremacy in Asian women's cricket, India secured their spot in the Women's Asia Cup final for the eighth consecutive time.
The inaugural edition of the highly anticipated International Masters League (IML) is ready to kick off from November 17 to December 8, 2024.