The ferocious Gautam Gambhir was named head coach of the Indian cricket team by the BCCI, which hoped that he would bring “tenacity and leadership” to the position that was held with “remarkable success” by Rahul Dravid until recently. Gambhir’s arrival isn’t the only change in India’s coaching setup, with the former opening batter also looking to bring in his own coaching staff. While Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach at Kolkata Knight Riders, is one of Gambhir’s preferences, he reportedly also wants former India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer R Vinay Kumar as the bowling coach in the Indian team.
Gambhir, who is 42 years old, led the race to replace Dravid, whose era came to a close following India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last month.
In a statement from the BCCI, Gambhir said he was proud to be able to serve the Indian flag, citizens and the land of his birth.
“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.
“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.
His first Assignment as India coach will be the Sri Lanka tour of three T20Is and as many ODIs starting July 27.
This was stated by Gambhir who also expressed his anticipation in cooperating closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket VVS Laxman, all the support staff including and most importantly the players “as we work towards attaining success in the forthcoming tournaments.
