Gautam Gambhir exemplified his selfless nature once again, emphasizing that the Indian team is what truly matters, not the head coach himself. Gambhir steps into his new role with a team fresh off a T20 World Cup 2024 victory. Despite India's triumph in T20 cricket, they are also the runners-up in both the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship, presenting Gambhir with significant challenges ahead. Acknowledging the success of the team he inherits, Gambhir is well aware of the big shoes he needs to fill.


Speaking to the media before the Indian team's departure to Sri Lanka, Gambhir made his coaching philosophy clear: "The betterment of Indian cricket is important; Gautam Gambhir is not important."

"I have always said that a happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. That's my responsibility. For me, I don't complicate too many things. I am taking over a very, very successful team. T20 World champions, runner-up in World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup. There are issues to fill, but this is a champions' team," Gambhir said.

"I have had a fabulous relationship with Jay Shah. All these speculations about different things. We can do a better job clarifying those things. Gautam Gambhir is not important, the betterment of Indian cricket is important. I have really enjoyed working with him, I hope it continues that way," he added.

Gambhir also acknowledged the legacy left by his predecessors, including Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri.


"The most important thing is that they will always have my back. Aim to make it a happy and secure dressing room. I am taking over a very successful team. Runner-ups in WTC and 50-overs WC. I have big shoes to fill and looking forward to it," Gambhir said in the press conference.

Gambhir will be supported by his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) colleague Abhishek Nayar, who will serve as the assistant coach, and Ryan Ten Doeschate, who joins the support staff.

"I have worked closely with Abhishek and Ryan in the last two months at IPL with KKR. Both are absolute professionals and hopefully have a successful stint with the Indian team as coaches," Gambhir stated.

Gambhir will also work with a star-studded dressing room when the ODIs begin, including Team India captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli. Gambhir expressed confidence in his relationship with Kohli.

"I share a great relationship with Virat Kohli, we exchange messages - he is world-class, a world-class batter. I have told you many times that we both will work hard for Team India and make 140 crore people proud," he said.

"Both Virat and Rohit have lots of cricket left. They are world-class, and any team would be fortunate to have both of them. There's the Champions Trophy, the Australia series, and if fitness goes well, then the 2027 World Cup," he added.

Gambhir, a former left-handed opener for India, recently served as the team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 season, leading them to their third IPL title.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of Team India concluded after the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, where India beat South Africa by seven runs to clinch the prestigious trophy after 17 years.