Fierce Gautam Gambhir was appointed coach of the Indian cricket team by the BCCI, which expected him to bring “tenacity and leadership” to the role that was held with “remarkable success” by Rahul Dravid until recently. Gambhir’s arrival is not the only change in India’s technical set-up, with the former first-choice batsman also looking to bring in his own coaching staff. While Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Abhishek Nayar is one of Gambhir’s preferences, he reportedly also wants former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer R Vinay Kumar as the Indian team’s bowling coach.
According to a report in RevSportz, Gambhir submitted the names of Abhishek Nayar, as assistant coach and R Vinay Kumar, as bowling coach, to the BCCI. With Gambhir’s coaching tenure beginning with the Sri Lanka series, the BCCI would need to act quickly on the recommendations made by Gambhir.
Gambhir, 42, was the favorite to replace Dravid, whose tenure ended with the country winning the T20 World Cup title in Barbados last month.
“It is an absolute honor to serve my tricolor, my people, my country,” Gambhir said in a BCCI statement.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rahul Dravid and his support team for their exemplary performance with the team. I am honored and excited to take on the role of head coach of Team India.
“I have always been proud to wear the Indian jersey during my playing days and it will be no different when I take on this new role.
Gambhir said he looks forward to working closely with the BCCI, head of cricket VVS Laxman, the support team and, “most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments.” Gambhir’s first assignment as India coach will be to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and the same number of ODIs from July 27.
“The Board would like to thank former coach Mr. Rahul Dravid for his brilliant journey with the team. Team India now embarks on a journey under a new coach – Mr. Gautam Gambhir,” said the Chairman of BCCI, Roger Binny, in an elaborate statement.
The Board stated that the Cricket Advisory Committee comprising Ashok Malhotra, Jatin Paranjpe and Sulakshana Naik unanimously recommended Gambhir on Tuesday. The BCCI invited applications for the post on May 13.
“His experience, dedication and vision for the game make him the ideal candidate to guide our team. We are confident that under his leadership, Team India will continue to excel and make the nation proud,” Binny.
With PTI inputs
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