Cricket

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.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as India's head coach came to an end after the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024. Dravid's initial two-year term concluded after the ODI World Cup last year, where India finished as runners-up. However, a call from Rohit Sharma, the team's captain, prompted Dravid to reconsider.Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved significant success. They reached the final of the World Test Championship in June 2023 and the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. The pinnacle of their achievements came with the T20 World Cup victory, which Dravid described as a "privilege and a pleasure."Dravid emphasized the importance of teamwork and the support he received from the players and staff. He expressed gratitude for the respect and kindness shown to him and his team. The coach-captain relationship between Dravid and Rohit Sharma was crucial in India's success.During the victory celebrations, Dravid shared a special message with Virat Kohli, who had been a part of India's previous white-ball triumphs. Dravid reminded Kohli of the three "whites" (ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, and T20 World Cup) they had ticked off and encouraged him to complete the set with the "red" (Test Championship).Dravid's successor is expected to be announced soon. VVS Laxman is currently coaching the second-string side in Zimbabwe, while Gautam Gambhir is considered the frontrunner for the head coach position.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, has emerged as a strong contender for the position of head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. With Rahul Dravid's contract expiring after the ongoing T20 World Cup, Gambhir has reportedly applied for the job and presented his demands to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).During his interview with the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), Gambhir laid down five conditions for accepting the role. Firstly, he demanded complete control over the cricketing operations of the team, without any interference from the board. Secondly, he insisted on selecting his own support staff, including batting, fielding, and bowling coaches.Thirdly, Gambhir proposed a bold move to drop four senior players - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammad Shami - if they fail to help India win the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. However, it remains unclear whether this would apply to all three formats of the game.Fourthly, Gambhir suggested creating a separate team for Test cricket. Finally, he emphasized the need to start preparing a roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup from the outset.Gambhir's conditions have raised questions about the future of the four senior players. Kohli and Sharma have already faced uncertainty over their place in the team, and Gambhir's appointment could further jeopardize their chances of selection.It is also worth noting that India could participate in the World Test Championship final next year. If they fail to win the Test mace, it could lead to the exclusion of some of the senior players from the Test team.

India's World Cup Hopes Soar with Gautam Gambhir as Potential Head CoachFormer India opener Gautam Gambhir's name has emerged as a strong contender for the role of head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Sanjay Bhardwaj, Gambhir's former coach, believes that under Gambhir's leadership, India has a high chance of securing a World Cup victory.Bhardwaj's optimism stems from Gambhir's proven track record as a player and his astute cricketing mind. As a player, Gambhir was known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to perform under pressure. He was a key member of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup.As a coach, Gambhir has already demonstrated his capabilities with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, the Capitals have consistently performed well, reaching the playoffs in multiple seasons.Bhardwaj believes that Gambhir's experience and understanding of the game would be invaluable to the Indian team. He said, "If Gautam Gambhir will be the coach of the team for 3-4 years, India will surely win a World Cup. It will be a very good feeling if my student coaches Team India."Gambhir's potential appointment has received support from several former cricketers, including Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. They believe that Gambhir's passion, determination, and tactical acumen make him an ideal candidate for the role.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently searching for a new head coach, with Rahul Dravid's tenure concluding after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir's name is high on the list of potential candidates, and his appointment would be a significant development for Indian cricket.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed his reluctance to speculate about his future as the head coach of the men's national team. Despite being heavily linked to the role, Gambhir maintains that he is content with his current position and is not looking too far ahead.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently evaluating potential candidates to replace Rahul Dravid, whose tenure as head coach is set to expire after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, with many former cricketers endorsing his credentials.However, Gambhir remains cautious about the possibility of taking over the reins of the Indian team. "I don't see that far ahead," he said. "It's difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I am happy being here."Gambhir's reluctance to commit to the head coach role stems from his contentment with his current position as team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, the Knights lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024.Gambhir's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of treating all players equally. "In a team sport, it's the team that matters the most," he said. "Individuals do play a role, but ultimately, if everyone is treated equally, you will achieve an unbelievable amount of success."Meanwhile, the Indian team continues to impress in the T20 World Cup, having secured a 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super 8 opener. The Rohit Sharma-led side will face Bangladesh on Saturday in Antigua.

Gautam Gambhir Remains Noncommittal on Potential India Head Coach AppointmentFormer India opener Gautam Gambhir has declined to comment on his potential appointment as the next head coach of the national cricket team, stating that he does not "see that far ahead."Gambhir, 42, was speaking at an event organized by the Indian Chambers of Commerce in Kolkata on Friday. Earlier this week, he participated in a virtual interview with the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). Many believe he is the frontrunner to take over from current head coach Rahul Dravid, whose tenure is set to conclude after the ongoing T20 World Cup.Despite his recent success as a team mentor, playing a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) third IPL title win, Gambhir refused to be drawn into speculation about his prospects."I don't see that far ahead. You are grilling me, asking me all tough questions," Gambhir said, as quoted by PTI. "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," he added.Gambhir's evasiveness has fueled further speculation about his potential appointment. The CAC, comprising former India captain Madan Lal, former India all-rounder Sulakshana Naik, and former India women's captain Shanta Rangaswamy, is expected to make a decision on the next head coach soon.If appointed, Gambhir would bring a wealth of experience to the role. He played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is for India, scoring over 10,000 international runs. He was also a key member of the 2011 World Cup-winning team.However, Gambhir has limited coaching experience. He served as a mentor for KKR in the 2022 IPL season, but has not held any other coaching positions.

With the tenure of current India head coach Rahul Dravid set to expire after the T20 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly identified former batter Gautam Gambhir as the frontrunner to take over the high-profile role.According to sources, Gambhir has emerged as the sole candidate to have applied for the head coach position. The former opening batter is expected to appear for an interview before the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) via Zoom on Tuesday.The BCCI had invited applications for the post in mid-May, with the deadline set for May 27. Gambhir, who is currently the mentor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is believed to have given the green light to the board after some of his demands were accepted.The CAC, comprising former cricketers Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe, and Sulakshana Naik, will also conduct interviews for the vacant selector's spot from the North Zone. Currently, chief selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and Salil Ankola are both from the West Zone, with the new selector from the North Zone set to replace the latter.After conducting the interviews, the CAC will make recommendations to the BCCI regarding the head coach and the new selector's post. The tenure of the new coach, which is likely to be Gambhir, will commence in July 2024 and extend to December 31, 2027, coinciding with the next ODI World Cup.Gambhir's appointment as head coach would mark a significant shift in the BCCI's approach to team management. The former cricketer is known for his aggressive and vocal leadership style, which could bring a fresh perspective to the Indian team.However, Gambhir's lack of experience as a head coach at the international level could be a potential concern. He has previously served as the mentor of KKR and the Delhi Capitals, but his ability to handle the pressures of coaching a national team remains to be seen.

Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has endorsed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir as a potential candidate for the role of India's head coach. Gambhir's name has emerged as a frontrunner for the position, which will become vacant after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends on June 30.Ganguly, who was instrumental in Gambhir's success as a player, believes that the former World Cup winner possesses the qualities necessary to lead the national team. "He is honest, understands the game very well, and has had success with the Knight Riders in the IPL," Ganguly said. "In Gautam, you have all the qualities you need in India's head coach."However, Ganguly acknowledged the difference between coaching a franchise and an international team. "There is indeed a difference between coaching or mentoring a franchise and coaching an international team, that too a high-profile team like India," he said.Despite this, Ganguly expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to adapt to the demands of the role. "I am sure Gautam will know it and is aware of it. He will know how to deal with stars like Virat and Rohit, and will surely adapt himself to the culture of the change room," he said.Gambhir's recent success as KKR mentor, guiding the team to victory in IPL 2024, further strengthens his credentials. Ganguly believes that Gambhir's strong character and cricket brain make him an ideal candidate for the job. "He is a strong character and a good cricket brain. If he does want the job, he will make a very good coach," he said.The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach by the end of March. Gambhir's application, if submitted, will be considered alongside other potential candidates.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a new head coach for the men's national team, and several prominent former cricketers have emerged as potential candidates. Among the top Indian contenders are VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir, while international names like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Stephen Fleming have also been linked to the role.However, it is reported that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the position. According to Dainik Jagaran, Gambhir is eager to take up the job despite being in his first year as KKR mentor. However, he has one condition: he wants a "selection guarantee" before applying.Gambhir is reportedly unwilling to simply be an applicant for the post. He wants to be assured of his selection as Rahul Dravid's replacement before submitting his application. The deadline for applications is May 27, and it is unclear how many potential coaches have expressed interest.The BCCI has denied reaching out to Ponting and Langer, despite claims from the duo that they were approached but declined the offer. If Gambhir does apply and is selected, he will have to step down from his role as KKR mentor.Gambhir's impressive performance as KKR mentor has significantly boosted his chances of becoming India's head coach. Under his guidance, the franchise has shown remarkable resurgence in IPL 2023.