With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team set to conclude after the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India has qualified for the Super Eight round following an unbeaten run in the group stage, a new chapter is poised to begin. Gautam Gambhir is set to be officially announced as Dravid’s replacement by the end of June, according to recent reports.

Gambhir, who will sign a contract with the BCCI extending until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup, will have the autonomy to select his own support staff. This decision comes after extensive discussions within the BCCI, which settled on Gambhir as the ideal candidate for the head coach position late last month.

Proven leadership and recent success

The former World Cup winner has recently showcased his leadership abilities by guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title as a mentor. Gambhir’s success and strategic acumen caught the attention of BCCI officials, leading to a significant conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah during the IPL final in Chennai.

Despite a dilemma over his commitment to KKR, where he returned at the insistence of franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who wanted him for the next decade, Gambhir appears eager to take up the India role. The board and Gambhir have reportedly discussed the announcement date, which hinges on India’s performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Support staff selection

Gambhir has expressed his desire to pick his own support staff. Currently, Vikram Rathour serves as the batting coach, Paras Mhambrey as the bowling coach, and T Dilip as the fielding coach. Historically, support staff appointments have changed with new head coaches, as seen when Rathour replaced Sanjay Bangar under Shastri and Mhambrey and Dilip were chosen by Dravid.

Once Gambhir assumes the role of head coach, the Indian team is expected to undergo significant changes in the support staff. This could include potential replacements for Rathour, Mhambrey, and Dilip, marking a new phase for the Indian cricket team’s coaching unit.

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Gautam Gambhir’s upcoming appointment as head coach signifies a transformative period for Indian cricket. With his proven leadership and fresh vision, Gambhir is set to lead the team through future challenges, starting with the next cycle of international tournaments.