Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, carries the weight of a nation's expectations on his shoulders. The 42-year-old, a former left-handed batsman with over 10,000 international runs, played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and ODI World Cup victory in 2011.As a mentor, Gambhir led the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title this year. He succeeds Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after guiding India to their first global title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.Gambhir's tenure will commence with the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. Ahead of the series, Star Sports released a video of Gambhir discussing the importance of a balanced team composition."First, you need to identify players with a fearless approach," Gambhir said. "In a format like 50 overs, you need a mix of players. You should have anchors and match-winners. The change in rules has made a difference. We used to have only one new ball, but now we have two and five fielders inside, so the role of the part-timer has diminished.""You don't see enough reverse swing or purchase for finger spinners anymore," he added. "But I believe that when we talk about this new approach, you have to identify players who can adapt to those roles easily. Some players cannot adapt, so why push them to play in a way that doesn't come naturally to them?""For me, identifying players and getting the right mix is very important," Gambhir emphasized. "We shouldn't think that we have to play with a certain template and select all 15 players with a similar mindset."India has not won an ODI global title since the 2013 Champions Trophy, and Gambhir will be eager to change that in the upcoming year. He is the only Indian and one of four international cricketers to have scored centuries in five successive Test matches.

Ricky Ponting's seven-year tenure as head coach of the Delhi Capitals (DC) has come to an end, as the franchise looks to revamp its coaching staff ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction.Ponting joined DC in 2018, when the team was known as the Delhi Daredevils. Under his guidance, the team experienced a rollercoaster of results. In his first season, DC finished at the bottom of the league standings. However, they bounced back in 2019, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time under Ponting's leadership.DC continued their playoff streak in 2020 and 2021, reaching the finals in 2020. However, they fell short of the ultimate prize, losing to the Mumbai Indians. In the last three seasons, DC failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing sixth in 2024 with a 7-7 record.Sources close to the franchise indicate that the owners were not satisfied with the team's recent performances and decided to part ways with Ponting. The decision was made after careful consideration and a desire to bring in a fresh perspective.Ponting's departure marks the end of an era for DC. He was a respected figure within the team and played a significant role in their development. However, the franchise believes that a change in leadership is necessary to achieve their long-term goals.DC is expected to announce Ponting's replacement in the coming weeks. The new head coach will have the task of rebuilding the team and guiding them to success in the upcoming IPL seasons.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new Indian cricket team head coach has garnered significant attention and praise from the cricketing fraternity. Following Rahul Dravid's successful tenure, Gambhir will take over the reins after the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi hailed Gambhir's appointment, commending his positive and straightforward approach. "It's a big opportunity, and we need to see how he makes the most of it. I have seen his interviews, and he talks positively and is very straightforward," Afridi said.Legendary South African fast bowler Dale Steyn expressed his admiration for Gambhir's aggression and streetwise cricket acumen. "I'm a big fan of Gautam Gambhir. I love his aggression. He's one of the few Indians I ever played against who came back at you, and I like that," Steyn said.Steyn believes Gambhir's competitive spirit and cricket intelligence will benefit the Indian team. "Not just in India, but in world cricket, we need guys who are a little bit more aggressive and play the game a little bit harder. He's also streetwise, a very smart cricketer, and has a great cricket brain," Steyn added.Gambhir's appointment marks a new era for Indian cricket, with the former left-handed opener expected to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of aggression to the team. He will start his tenure with the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he will have the opportunity to implement his coaching philosophy and recruit a new support staff.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the senior men's cricket team. Gambhir's appointment comes after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended with the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024.Since Gambhir's appointment, there have been speculations about the coaching support staff. According to reports, Gambhir requested the inclusion of Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach, but the BCCI declined the request. The board reportedly wants to maintain an all-Indian support staff.The current support staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, saw their tenures end with Dravid's departure. However, the BCCI's plan to keep an all-Indian support staff suggests that Dilip may continue as India's fielding coach.Gambhir inherits a formidable Indian team that recently won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and finished as runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship. He faces several challenges, including building camaraderie with former teammates like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.Gambhir's path to the head coach position has involved mentorship roles in the IPL, despite his lack of substantial coaching experience. This was also the case for Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble when they were appointed to the top job in the Indian team.Under Gambhir's mentorship, Lucknow Super Giants reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons. He then moved to Kolkata Knight Riders, the team he led to two IPL titles, and guided them to the trophy in May.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener known for his passionate and disciplinarian approach to coaching, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Gambhir's appointment comes after Rahul Dravid's successful tenure ended with India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024.Gambhir, who has previously mentored Lucknow Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has a proven track record of success. He led KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, and guided the franchise to victory in the 2024 edition.The Indian cricket fraternity has welcomed Gambhir's appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to further glory. The BCCI had approached Gambhir after his success with KKR, where he returned as mentor this season.Gambhir's era as head coach will begin with a white-ball series in Sri Lanka, where India will play three ODIs and as many T20Is starting on July 27. The former India pacer RP Singh praised Gambhir's journey from player to coach, highlighting his hard work and dedication.Gambhir's appointment has been met with enthusiasm by fans and experts alike. His passion for the game and his ability to inspire players are expected to be key factors in India's continued success on the international stage.

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.

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.

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, a former Indian cricketer and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise, has reportedly expressed his desire to appoint Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coach if he is appointed as the next head coach of Team India.Gambhir, who is considered a frontrunner to replace Rahul Dravid, has a close working relationship with Nayar, who currently serves as his assistant coach at KKR. The duo has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to continue their partnership at the national level.Nayar, a former India ODI player, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has played a key role in KKR's success, helping the franchise win three IPL titles. He also holds the position of director at the KKR academy.Gambhir's desire to bring Nayar on board as his assistant coach is a testament to their strong working relationship and shared vision for Indian cricket. Nayar's experience and expertise would complement Gambhir's leadership and strategic thinking.However, Gambhir has remained tight-lipped about his prospects of becoming the national team's coach. When asked about it last month, he said, "I don't see that far ahead. It is difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I'm happy being here, just finished a brilliant journey (and) let's enjoy that. I'm in a very happy space right now."Despite his reluctance to discuss his coaching ambitions, Gambhir's desire to bring Nayar on board as his assistant coach is a clear indication of his plans for the future. If he is appointed as the head coach of Team India, Nayar is expected to play a key role in shaping the team's fortunes.