After months of speculation, Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team was confirmed earlier this month by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid, is currently in Sri Lanka with the team for their upcoming white-ball series. Gambhir was one of two candidates interviewed for the role by BCCI’s Cricket Operations Committee, following his successful tenure as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Other names in contention reportedly included Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene, and Stephen Fleming. However, the BCCI prioritized hiring an Indian.
While Gambhir’s appointment was made official on July 9, former India pacer Ashish Nehra was also mentioned in the media. Nehra recently explained why he didn’t apply for the position, citing his desire to stay close to his young children and avoid extensive travel. “Meri abhi kabhi us tareh soch nahi gayi hai. My kids are young. GG ke bacche bhi abhi young hai par sabki soch alag alag hoti hai, toh I am very happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months (I never thought about it. My children are still young. Gautam Gambhir also has young children, but everyone has different ideas. That’s why I am happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months),” Nehra told Sports Today.
In addition, Gambhir has confirmed the names of two assistant coaches approved by the BCCI. Although the full coaching staff will be finalized after the Sri Lanka tour, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the board agreeing to most of his demands. During a media briefing, he announced that his former KKR colleagues, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar, will join him as assistant coaches.
“This is going to be the crux of the support staff. As I said, we still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour. We will try and finalise after the Sri Lanka tour. But, I have worked with people like Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate very closely. In the last two months, especially in the IPL, I have enjoyed working with them. They are thorough professionals. Hope Ryan and Abhishek can have a successful stint.
“Hopefully, we can have a successful tenure as coaches. I am really looking forward to work with the rest of the other guys as well. I have had some really good feedback from the players about the other guys. I am really looking forward to working with them. My experience and learning have been very simple,” Gambhir said.
