Gautam Gambhir, India’s new head coach, has no official experience coaching a cricket team. He has coached only two IPL franchises. But is that why the BCCI chose him?
Gambhir announced his retirement in 2019. He is widely regarded as the man who helped the Kolkata Knight Riders win the IPL 2024 after a decade. The KKR players and support personnel were outspoken about Gambhir’s efforts in building the “perfect team environment”.
However, the issue remains as to how Gambhir became the youngest head coach in India’s senior men’s cricket team history. Especially given his lack of prior experience. So, let’s go over everything in depth in this article!
Backstory Behind Gautam Gambhir’s Appointment
The BCCI recognized Gambhir as a guy of stature and ethics. That’s more important than format competence. Furthermore, they were hesitant to hand over the reins to an international professional.
With VVS Laxman refusing to take the plunge, the replacements were restricted. Following Duncan Fletcher’s retirement roughly a decade ago, the BCCI has continued its policy of choosing renowned personalities as head coaches.
Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid were not just major names during their playing careers. But also well-respected by their peers. Gambhir is sure to add to the list. It was one of the unwritten requirements when the BCCI requested candidates for the position of head coach in May.
Before it was made public, the main concern was Gambhir’s interpersonal relationship with some of the players he had played with. Gautam Gambhir, 42, is India’s youngest-ever head coach, having resigned only five and a half years ago.
It is widely known that Rohit Sharma would have preferred more of Dravid, if only for another year. But Dravid wanted to go on. With Rohit’s future beyond the 2025 World Test Championship uncertain, the BCCI decided to give Gambhir more time to attract his services to ease the transition.
Rumors About Gambhir’s Support Staff
The BCCI, like the head coach, prefers to have Indian support personnel. Gautam Gambhir, like other coaches, has been allowed to select the personnel he wants to work with. The names that are now making the rounds include Abhishek Nayar.
After working closely with players like as Dinesh Karthik and Shreyas Iyer, the former all-rounder has advanced quickly as a coach. Last season, Nayar was Gambhir’s main supporter at KKR. He is expected to join Gambhir’s support staff, either as an assistant coach or batting coach.
Former India bowler Zaheer Khan is one of the prominent names being considered for bowling coach. His broadcasting responsibilities may become an issue.
Coach Gambhir’s Message For Team India
Gautam Gambhir sent a strong and clear message to the Indian squad upon his appointment as head coach. Gambhir underlined the necessity of playing all three forms while concentrating on injury and workload management.
Gambhir used a straightforward approach. He emphasized that the players must do what is beneficial for the team. Gambhir was selected as Team India’s head coach after Rahul Dravid’s coaching term ended.
The ex-Indian cricketer believed that injuries are a normal part of an athlete’s life and that a player should try to compete in all three forms if he is fit to play. ‘If you’re good, play all forms,’ Gambhir said.
Gambhir’s first assignment as Team India’s head coach will be the team’s visit to Sri Lanka. Team India will compete in three T20Is and three ODIs beginning July 26th. Gautam Gambhir will coach the Indian team in five ICC tournaments, which would provide a wider picture.
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