(Web Desk) - Star of India's title-winning campaign in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2011, Gautam Gambhir, has been named as the new head coach of the India men's cricket team.
He will take over from Rahul Dravid after a successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
The announcement was made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah on social media.
"It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team," Shah posted.
"Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward."
"His clear vision for Team India, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. The BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey."
Gambhir, who had a stellar career as India's opener across formats, recently steered Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win as head coach in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Back in his playing days, Gambhir was a star at the top of the order for India. He won the ICC Test Player of the Year for 2009 and was named in the World Test XI that year.
In 2011, his spectacular knock in the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup propelled India to a Cricket World Cup win after 28 years. He also played a starring role in 2007 when his knock in the final led India to a title win in the inaugural men's T20 World Cup.
Gambhir takes over from Dravid, under whom India reached the final of the last three ICC events (ICC World Test Championship in 2023, ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024).