Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has been appointed national head coach, succeeding his former teammate Rahul Dravid in taking on one of the most demanding jobs in cricket.
Dravid, who ended his tenure as India’s T20 World Cup coach last month, decided not to reapply for the post, paving the way for Gambhir to ascend to the position.
“It is an absolute honour to serve my tricolour, my people, my country,” Gambhir, 42, said in a statement from the Indian Cricket Association.
“I was always proud to wear the Indian jersey during my playing days and it will be no different in this new role.”
Gambhir was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 50-overs World Cup four years later.
As captain, he won the Indian Premier League title twice with the Kolkata Knight Riders and, as a mentor, also won a third IPL title with them earlier this year.
Gambhir is a combative left-hander who has represented India in 242 matches across formats. His tenure will begin with India’s tour of Sri Lanka later this month.
Expectations will be high as India under Dravid also reached the finals of the World Test Championship and the 50-overs World Cup at home last year.
“His appointment as head coach marks a new chapter for Indian cricket,” said Indian Chief Executive Roger Binny.
“His experience, commitment and vision for the game make him the ideal candidate to lead our team forward.
“We are confident that under his leadership, Team India will continue to deliver outstanding performances and make the nation proud.”