Rahul Dravid has now officially retired as the head coach after his contract ended right before India’s tour of Zimbabwe. Former Indian player Gautam Gambhir becomes the new Head coach. BCCI rejects Gambhir’s Jonty Rhodes fielding coach suggestion.
Gautam Gambhir was selected to be the next head coach for team India after careful consideration from the BCCI. Before the announcement, there had already been a lot of speculation about Gambhir assuming the role. Gautam will now have to end his contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders as their mentor. KKR won their third IPL trophy under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir.
BCCI rejects Jonty Rhodes As team India’s fielding coach
Similar to Rahul Dravid, the tenures of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip concluded with the T20 World Cup. This shift marks the end of their roles and the beginning of Gambhir’s leadership era.
Typically, the BCCI lets the head coach select their support staff, and Gambhir will have this privilege. However, his first choices for bowling and fielding coaches were rejected.
Gambhir wanted former India pacer R Vinay Kumar as the bowling coach, but the board did not approve this choice.
The board also rejected Gambhir’s choice of Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach, despite his stellar credentials and IPL experience, including working with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants.
The BCCI prefers an all-native support staff, a practice they’ve maintained for the past seven years, and wants to continue.
What Gautam said about his appointment
A crucial member of India’s victorious 2011 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup squads, Gautam Gambhir emerged as the top scorer for India in both ICC finals.
Gambhir is eager to work with VVS Laxman, who is currently serving as India’s interim head coach for the five-match T20I series in Zimbabwe. Following this tour, India will host Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs. The series against Sri Lanka will be Gambhir’s first task as the newly appointed head coach.
“I have always taken pride while donning the Indian jersey during my playing days and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role.” He said.
“Cricket has been my passion and I look forward to working closely with the BCCI, Head of Cricket – Mr VVS Laxman, the support staff, and, most importantly, the players, as we work towards achieving success in the upcoming tournaments,” Gambhir added
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