After weeks of speculation, former opening batter Gautam Gambhir has officially been named the new head coach of the India men’s cricket team. Gambhir steps into the role following Rahul Dravid’s departure, who led the team to an unbeaten T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
How much will Gambhir earn as head coach?
Indian media reports indicate that Gambhir’s new role comes with a substantial salary. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially disclosed his earnings, sources suggest he will receive INR 10 million monthly, amounting to an annual package of INR 100 to 120 million. The salary reflects Gambhir’s extensive experience and the high expectations surrounding his appointment.
First Assignment
Gambhir’s first task as head coach will be overseeing a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka later this month. This tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is. Expressing his excitement on being appointed Gautam Gambhir posted on social media, “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, and I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true!”
A Team in Transition
Gambhir takes the helm at a time when the Indian team is riding high on success. They reached the finals of both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup last year before clinching the T20 World Cup title.
The team is also on track to reach their third successive WTC final next year. However, Gambhir inherits a team in transition, with key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja having retired from T20Is.
He has to build his team from scratch under a new captain as other senior players, such as R Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, might also be nearing the end of their careers in other formats.
Gambhir’s Coaching Credentials
Gambhir brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He recently served as the mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, steering them to the title victory. Before that, he mentored the Lucknow Super Giants during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons, helping them reach the playoffs in both editions.
During his illustrious playing career, Gambhir played pivotal roles in India’s victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, top-scoring in the finals of both tournaments. He also led KKR to two IPL titles, in 2012 and 2014.
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