Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, is prioritizing the formation of a support staff that aligns with his vision. While the financial details of his contract are still being finalized, Gambhir has emphasized that this is not his primary concern at this stage.Gambhir's appointment was officially announced by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday. His salary is expected to be in the same range as his predecessors, Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri. However, the finer details are still being worked out.Gambhir will be provided with his own team of coaches, who will closely coordinate with the NCA (National Cricket Academy) coaches. The NCA coaches oversee the pathways teams (India A and U-19) as well as targeted players.Gambhir has expressed his eagerness to work with the BCCI, Head of Cricket VVS Laxman, the support staff, and the players to achieve success in upcoming tournaments. Laxman, who is currently with the T20 squad in Zimbabwe, is expected to engage in discussions about the future course of action upon his return.There is significant anticipation regarding the composition of Gambhir's core support staff. Abhishek Nayar, a former Mumbai stalwart and head of KKR's academy, is a potential candidate for assistant coach due to his close friendship with captain Rohit Sharma.L Balaji and Zaheer Khan have been proposed as contenders for the bowling coach role, while R Vinay Kumar is rumored to be Gambhir's preference. However, the BCCI has reportedly turned down this suggestion.Jonty Rhodes' name has surfaced for the fielding coach position, but the BCCI has historically favored nurturing its own talent. Munish Bali, with his familiarity with emerging players, could be considered for this role.Gambhir's first major challenge will be India's upcoming Test series against Australia, a pivotal contest considering India's recent successes under Ravi Shastri. The series, marking the first five-Test encounter between the two nations since 1991-92, begins at the Optus Stadium in Perth, known for its challenging pitches.Gambhir's credibility as a red-ball coach will be closely scrutinized, especially with India's World Test Championship qualification on the line. The schedule also includes the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, pending BCCI approval. Gambhir, known for his outspoken support of the Indian Army, has consistently opposed cricketing engagements in Pakistan. It remains to be seen how he navigates this stance, especially if India's participation in a major ICC event hinges on it.

Following India's triumph at the ICC T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game. As a result, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is poised to take over the captaincy of the Men in Blue in T20Is. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is expected to lead the team in ODIs, according to sources.Pandya's appointment as T20I captain is a testament to his impressive performance at the World Cup. He amassed 144 runs in six innings, averaging 48.00 and striking at 151.57, including a half-century. With the ball, he claimed 11 wickets in eight games, averaging 17.36 and boasting an economy rate of 7.64.Pandya's resurgence is particularly noteworthy given the criticism he faced during the IPL 2024 season as captain of the Mumbai Indians. However, he has silenced his detractors with his exceptional performances at the World Cup.On the other hand, KL Rahul's omission from the T20 World Cup squad despite his strong showing in the ODI World Cup 2023 has raised eyebrows. However, he is now set to lead the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Rahul has a proven track record in ODIs, having scored 386 runs in nine innings at an average of 77.20 and a strike rate of 98.72.In a separate development, Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Gambhir, a former left-handed opener for India, has served as the team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Under his guidance, KKR won their third IPL trophy in 2024.Gambhir's appointment is seen as a positive step by the BCCI, which believes he has the experience and vision to lead Indian cricket forward. He takes over from Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended after the T20 World Cup.

Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji Emerge as Contenders for Team India Bowling Coach RoleFormer Indian fast bowlers Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji have emerged as potential candidates for the bowling coach position in Team India's coaching staff under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering their names to replace Paras Mhambrey, whose tenure has reportedly ended.Zaheer Khan, widely regarded as one of India's greatest left-arm pacers, boasts an impressive record of 311 Test wickets in 92 matches and a total of 610 scalps in 309 international matches across all formats. His experience and expertise would be invaluable to the Indian bowling unit.Lakshmipathy Balaji, on the other hand, has represented India in eight Test matches, claiming 27 wickets at an average of 37.18. He has also taken 34 wickets in 30 ODIs. While his international experience is limited compared to Zaheer, Balaji's knowledge of Indian conditions and his ability to mentor young bowlers could make him a suitable candidate.The appointment of a new bowling coach is part of a broader overhaul of the Indian team's support staff following the departure of Rahul Dravid as head coach. Gambhir, a former India opener and winner of both T20 and ODI World Cups, was named as Dravid's successor on Tuesday.Gambhir, who also served as the team mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2024, has a proven track record of success in coaching. Under his guidance, KKR secured their third IPL trophy this season. He was also captain of the KKR team that won the IPL in 2012 and 2014.The BCCI is expected to make a decision on the bowling coach position soon. The appointment of Zaheer Khan or Lakshmipathy Balaji would be a significant step in shaping the future of Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir Appointed as Head Coach of Indian Men's Cricket TeamFormer Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Gambhir set to take charge from the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka later this month.Gambhir, who recently mentored Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title, will replace Rahul Dravid, who ended his tenure with the triumphant campaign at the T20 World Cup.Gambhir's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his lack of experience as a professional cricket coach, while others have praised his successful stint as a mentor in the IPL.BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed the appointment, highlighting Gambhir's potential to bring success to the national team. "Gautam Gambhir is a proven leader and a successful mentor," Shah said. "We believe that he has the potential to take Indian cricket to new heights."Gambhir's transition from player to mentor has been marked by his ability to inspire and lead teams effectively. As a two-time World Cup winner and former politician, his diverse experiences are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Indian cricket team.As Gambhir prepares to step into this pivotal role, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see if the 42-year-old can continue his track record of success and lead India to new heights on the international stage.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer known for his gritty determination and leadership skills, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. This appointment has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and experts alike.Gambhir's tenure as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) showcased his unwavering support for young players and his ability to nurture their talent. He has a reputation for identifying raw talent and providing them with the guidance and support they need to succeed.As India's head coach, Gambhir is expected to continue his focus on developing the team's youth core. He believes in the importance of first-class cricket as a foundation for selecting players for the national team. He has emphasized the need for a balanced approach, where players are selected based on their skills and adaptability to different conditions.Gambhir's no-nonsense attitude and team-first approach are likely to keep the Indian team on their toes. He is known for his unwavering belief in the importance of team unity and discipline. This will be crucial as India navigates a period of transition following the retirements of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.While India has consistently performed well in knockout tournaments, Gambhir's appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on bowling depth in white-ball formats. He believes that bowlers who can deliver in tough overs are essential for success in modern cricket.Gambhir's appointment also signals a shift towards a more pragmatic approach to team selection. He has stressed the importance of selecting players based on their performances in the appropriate formats, such as the IPL for T20Is, Vijay Hazare Trophy for ODIs, and first-class cricket for Tests.With the Champions Trophy and another year of the World Test Championship cycle ahead, Gambhir has ample time to make an immediate impact on the Indian team. His legacy as coach will likely be defined by his ability to foster a culture of excellence, develop young talent, and maintain India's status as a cricketing powerhouse.

Rahul Dravid's Successful Tenure as India Head Coach Ends, Gautam Gambhir Appointed as SuccessorFormer India captain Rahul Dravid has concluded his highly successful tenure as the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team. Under his guidance, Team India emerged as a dominant force across formats, culminating in their triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed his gratitude to Dravid for his exceptional contributions. "Under his guidance, #TeamIndia emerged as a dominant force across formats, including being crowned ICC Men's T20 World Cup champions," Shah tweeted.Dravid's strategic acumen, unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, and exemplary leadership fostered a culture of excellence within the team. He leaves behind a legacy of unity and resilience, with the Indian dressing room standing together through challenges and celebrating each other's successes.Following Dravid's departure, the BCCI has appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach. Gambhir, a former India opener, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the modern cricketing landscape."Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close," Shah said. "I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward."Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter for Indian cricket. His experience as a player, commentator, and mentor will be invaluable as he leads the team into the future.

Gautam Gambhir Appointed Head Coach of India Men's Cricket Team: KKR Pays TributeKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has extended a heartfelt tribute to their former captain and mentor, Gautam Gambhir, following his appointment as the head coach of the India men's cricket team. Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, will assume his new role later this month with the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka.KKR took to social media to honor Gambhir's new position, sharing an old quote from him: "There is no bigger honor than coaching your national team." The franchise also posted a video montage showcasing Gambhir's journey and accomplishments with KKR, captioning it "Guru Gambhir."Gambhir's coaching journey officially begins as India faces Sri Lanka in three T20Is and three ODIs starting July 27. While he has no formal coaching experience, Gambhir has made a significant impact as a mentor in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He guided the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and returned to KKR as a mentor in 2024, leading them to their third IPL title.As a player, Gambhir captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in the team's success. KKR's tribute highlighted Gambhir's profound influence on the team, both as a player and mentor.Gambhir succeeds Rahul Dravid, who recently led India to their second T20 World Cup triumph. As head coach, Gambhir will oversee several key assignments, including the five-Test tour of Australia in November, the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.Gambhir's illustrious playing career includes pivotal roles in India's 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup victories. He was named ICC's Test player of the year in 2009 and retired from international cricket in 2016 with over 10,000 runs across all formats. His final cricketing chapter was with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, where he retired from all forms of cricket in 2018.KKR's tribute to Gambhir is a testament to his legacy as a player, mentor, and now head coach. His appointment is a proud moment for the franchise and the Indian cricket fraternity.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Gambhir, who was the frontrunner for the position, replaces Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended after India's T20 World Cup triumph last month.Gambhir was not the only candidate considered for the role, as the BCCI also interviewed former India batter WV Raman. However, the board ultimately selected Gambhir for his exceptional batting prowess and strategic acumen.Gambhir's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe that his lack of coaching experience at the international level could be a concern, while others are confident in his ability to lead the team to success.Gambhir's immediate task will be to prepare the team for the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka, which begins on July 27. The series will consist of three ODIs and three T20Is.Gambhir's appointment is a significant development for Indian cricket. He is a highly respected figure in the game and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to the team.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and two-time IPL-winning captain, has been appointed as India's next head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid. The announcement was made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah via X (formerly Twitter).Gambhir's appointment comes after a thorough selection process by the BCCI, which had advertised for candidates and set a deadline for applications as May 27. The board had held discussions with Gambhir during IPL 2024, where he was Kolkata Knight Riders' mentor during their run to the title.Gambhir's coaching experience is limited to his roles as mentor at Lucknow Super Giants (2022-2023) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2023-2024). However, his impressive playing career, which included crucial roles in India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, makes him a strong candidate for the role.During his playing days, Gambhir was known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. He captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His appointment as head coach is expected to bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the Indian team.Gambhir's appointment also marks a departure from the recent trend of appointing former players with extensive coaching experience. However, his passion for the game and his desire to coach India at the highest level were key factors in his selection.The 42-year-old Gambhir will take over from Dravid, who stepped down after the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid had initially taken over from Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup in November 2021 for two years until the 2023 ODI World Cup. He then agreed to the BCCI's request to extend his tenure until the end of the T20 World Cup 2024.Under Dravid's leadership, India lifted their first ICC trophy since 2013, winning the Asia Cup in 2022. He also guided the team to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.