News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/10th July 2024
At 42, Gautam Gambhir has made history by becoming the youngest head coach of the Indian cricket team. He succeeds Rahul Dravid, whose tenure ended with the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Dravid declined an extension to spend more time with his family, paving the way for a new face. Initially, VVS Laxman, Dravid’s former batting partner, was favored for the position but chose to remain at the National Cricket Academy, allowing Gambhir’s uncontested selection.
Several unexpected developments over the past six to seven months fast-tracked Gambhir’s candidacy. In November, he unexpectedly resigned as mentor of the IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants, after guiding them to the knockout stages in two previous seasons. Instead, he reunited with his former IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he had previously led them to titles in 2012 and 2014 as captain.
Gambhir has been vocal about his views on Indian cricket, criticizing the emphasis on star players over star performances. In March, Gambhir, who joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after retiring from cricket in 2018 and was elected MP for East Delhi in the 2019 general election, informed BJP leadership of his decision to leave politics and fully dedicate himself to cricket once again. Despite his impressive credentials, his candidacy as head coach gained attention only after KKR’s successful run under his mentorship, which shifted the spotlight onto him.
The process of selecting a chief coach is complex. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces a call for applications through the media, inviting candidates from India or abroad who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as having played 30 Tests or 50 ODIs and being under 60 years old. Applications are reviewed by the Board’s Advisory Committee (CAC), and shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews to present their vision for advancing Indian cricket.
Gambhir’s successful mentorship of KKR to an IPL triumph made him the frontrunner for the head coach position. With Dravid’s firm stance during the T20 World Cup that he wouldn’t continue, Gambhir’s appointment became inevitable. His selection was straightforward due to the lack of rival candidates, and the CAC found his strategies and processes impressive.
Beyond his IPL success, Gambhir has significant credentials as an India player. A stylish left-handed batsman, he debuted in 2003 and became one of India’s most accomplished openers with stellar performances across all formats. Notable innings include his 137 off 436 balls against New Zealand in 2009, helping India save a Test match, and his top-scoring performances in the T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and the ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Gambhir’s appointment comes with enormous prestige and a hefty pay package exceeding $1 million per year plus bonuses. However, it also brings immense responsibility and pressure, especially following the successful tenures of his predecessors, Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri. India has a busy cricket calendar over the next three years, including participation in the Champions Trophy, the World Test Championship, the T20 World Cup in 2026, and the ODI World Cup in 2027, along with numerous bilateral series.
Gambhir’s role as head coach will require managing dressing room superstars, overseeing generational transitions, and implementing changes in mindset, strategies, and skills to maintain and enhance India’s position in world cricket. His task is formidable, but his past successes and dedication suggest he is well-prepared for this prestigious role.
