Gautam Gambhir is set to begin his tenure as India’s head coach with the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. India will play three T20Is and three ODIs on this tour, starting from July 27. Gambhir’s appointment follows his successful stints as a mentor with IPL franchises Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
During his two seasons with LSG, Gambhir helped guide the team to the playoffs. Earlier this year, he returned to KKR as a mentor, leading them to their third championship title. Legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev has extended his best wishes to Gambhir, expressing hope that the team will achieve even greater success under his guidance.
“If Gautam Gambhir is taking that position as head coach of the Indian cricket team, I wish him and the team good luck. I hope they do better than what we have done previously. I want to wish the Indian players all the best,” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by PTI.
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Following his appointment, Gautam Gambhir expressed his gratitude and congratulated his former teammate Rahul Dravid for his contributions as coach.
“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,” Gautam Gambhir said in a statement.
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“I have always taken pride while donning the Indian jersey during my playing days, and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role. Cricket has been my passion, and I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket – Mr. VVS Laxman, the support staff, and, most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments,” he added.
Gambhir’s tenure begins with high expectations and a commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, as he aims to lead India to new heights in international cricket.
