New Delhi, The appointment of former India opener Gautam Gambhir as the next head coach was hailed by the Indian cricket fraternity, who have no doubt that he would make the country proud.
Less than two weeks after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended on a high, winning the T20 World Cup, India's first world title after 11 years, Gambhir was named head coach on expected lines.
The BCCI approached him after he won the IPL title for KKR after 10 years and he returned as a mentor this season. Gambhir was also the captain of two-time IPL-winning KKR in 2012 and 2014.
The announcement was merely a formality after National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman expressed his unwillingness to take over the dugout.
His IPL franchise created an AI-generated image of Gambhir in a BCCI suit, looking at the KKR jersey on the table with the IPL cutlery.
The wall had photos of his victories in 2012 and 2014, while the television broadcast the news of his appointment while Gambhir stood near a packed suitcase.
Team India jerseys were also seen hanging in the closet.
KKR captioned the photo with an old Gambhir quote: "There is no greater honor than coaching your national team."
Team CEO Venky Mysore also reposted it with his message: "So proud of you Gambhir. You will definitely make India proud."
The Gambhir era will begin with a white-ball series in Sri Lanka. India will play three ODIS and as many T20Is starting July 27.
"Few have seen the path from playing for India to coaching India. His has been a journey that I have had the privilege of seeing up close - all the tough stretches he has had to cross. Very well deserved Gambhir. Make us proud , once again," former India pacer RP Singh posted on X.
WV Raman, who was also in the fray for the position, also congratulated Gambhir.
"Congratulations Gambhir and all the best to you," Raman posted.
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja wrote: "Welcome to the new era of Indian cricket. Gautam Gambhir is now the new head coach of Team India. Many congratulations.
“Team India will reach new heights with GG.”
"Many congratulations Gambhir for diving into this new role. I wish you every success. Good luck," posted former India opener Wasim Jaffer.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also congratulated him on his new innings as the head coach of Team India.
"I am sure that your experience, energy, passion, aggressiveness and talent will guide the team on the path of excellence. Best wishes to you. Good luck my friend," Harbhajan wrote.
Anil Kumble commented, “Congratulations Gautam Gambhir. Wishing you all the best!"
Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa, who was his opening partner in the 2014 IPL title-winning campaign, also contributed a congratulatory message.
"Congratulations brother!! Can't wait to see the men's team flourish under his capable leadership. Wishing you the best for the new role. Much love!!," Uthappa posted on X.
Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara wrote, "Congratulations and best wishes Gauti bhai!"
Less than two weeks after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended on a high, winning the T20 World Cup, India's first world title after 11 years, Gambhir was named head coach on expected lines.
The BCCI approached him after he won the IPL title for KKR after 10 years and he returned as a mentor this season. Gambhir was also the captain of two-time IPL-winning KKR in 2012 and 2014.
The announcement was merely a formality after National Cricket Academy chief VVS Laxman expressed his unwillingness to take over the dugout.
His IPL franchise created an AI-generated image of Gambhir in a BCCI suit, looking at the KKR jersey on the table with the IPL cutlery.
The wall had photos of his victories in 2012 and 2014, while the television broadcast the news of his appointment while Gambhir stood near a packed suitcase.
Team India jerseys were also seen hanging in the closet.
KKR captioned the photo with an old Gambhir quote: "There is no greater honor than coaching your national team."
Team CEO Venky Mysore also reposted it with his message: "So proud of you Gambhir. You will definitely make India proud."
The Gambhir era will begin with a white-ball series in Sri Lanka. India will play three ODIS and as many T20Is starting July 27.
"Few have seen the path from playing for India to coaching India. His has been a journey that I have had the privilege of seeing up close - all the tough stretches he has had to cross. Very well deserved Gambhir. Make us proud , once again," former India pacer RP Singh posted on X.
WV Raman, who was also in the fray for the position, also congratulated Gambhir.
"Congratulations Gambhir and all the best to you," Raman posted.
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja wrote: "Welcome to the new era of Indian cricket. Gautam Gambhir is now the new head coach of Team India. Many congratulations.
“Team India will reach new heights with GG.”
"Many congratulations Gambhir for diving into this new role. I wish you every success. Good luck," posted former India opener Wasim Jaffer.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also congratulated him on his new innings as the head coach of Team India.
"I am sure that your experience, energy, passion, aggressiveness and talent will guide the team on the path of excellence. Best wishes to you. Good luck my friend," Harbhajan wrote.
Anil Kumble commented, “Congratulations Gautam Gambhir. Wishing you all the best!"
Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa, who was his opening partner in the 2014 IPL title-winning campaign, also contributed a congratulatory message.
"Congratulations brother!! Can't wait to see the men's team flourish under his capable leadership. Wishing you the best for the new role. Much love!!," Uthappa posted on X.
Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara wrote, "Congratulations and best wishes Gauti bhai!"
