‘I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true’ – Gautam Gambhir on becoming Team India head coach

Jay Shah announced Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as the Indian team’s new head coach via social media, reaching a global audience.

Following his success in leading Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL triumph in 2024, the former cricket player from India was the clear favourite for the coveted post. Using his social media account, Gambhir expressed how much he values serving his country and stated that his intention is to inspire pride in all Indians.

On June 29, in Barbados, India won the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, bringing an end to Rahul Dravid’s coaching career. India is currently in Zimbabwe for a five-match Twenty20 International series; the former opener for India’s national team’s first task as coach will be a white-ball tour to Sri Lanka. The squad’s goal is to win the Champions Trophy 2025 and the forthcoming World Test Championship Final.

“Serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life; it is my identity, India.” It’s an honour to be back, even though my headwear has changed. But I still want to make every Indian proud, just like I always have. The aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians are carried by the soldiers in blue, and I will stop at nothing to see that their dreams are realised! Gambhir stated in his ‘X’ post.

Here’s Gambhir’s latest post on ‘X’:

India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’m honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians… pic.twitter.com/N5YyyrhXAI

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 9, 2024

Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close: Jay Shah

Earlier, Gambhir’s new role in the Indian team was disclosed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, setting aside all rumours. The squad will be coached by the new head coach for three years, ending on December 31, 2027. The committee also conducted interviews with WV Raman, another candidate for the position, but the veteran was forced to decline, giving Gambhir—who is much sought after—the opportunity to take the coveted position.

“I have great pleasure in appointing Mr. Gautam Gambhir as the Indian Cricket Team’s new head coach. Gautam has seen firsthand how quickly the game of cricket has changed in the modern era. Jay Shah wrote on “X” that “I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward, having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career.”

“His extensive expertise and distinct vision for Team India put him in an ideal position to assume this thrilling and highly sought-after coaching position. He continued, “The BCCI is behind him 100% on this new adventure.