3 major challenges for Gautam Gambhir as head coach of Team India
Ending weeks of speculation as to who will get the top post after Rahul Dravid's departure, the BCCI announced the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as India's next head coach on Tuesday, July 9.
The former India opener was one of the forerunners for the job after he expressed an interest in it. He was the mentor of the title-winning Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL earlier this year.
Exciting times lie ahead for all of Indian cricket's supporters given that the southpaw is known for his aggressive tactics and far-reaching vision. He has also worked with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL in the past.
In this listicle, we take a look at the three major challenges Gambhir will have to overcome in his tenure.
#1 Building the trust of the youngsters
One of the biggest challenges that Gambhir will have to face is building the trust of the youngsters coming through the ranks for India.
Only a select few of them know how he works by virtue of having played under him either at Lucknow Super Giants or Kolkata Knight Riders, and the rest have to get acquainted with him.
However, the Delhi man is known for his impressive work with youngsters of all hues and colours and one expects the latter to be excited to deal with him as the India coach.
It has to be said that a lot of youngsters are in the pipeline, waiting to make their debuts for India, and Gambhir will have his hands full.
#2 Bridging the void left by Rohit and Kohli
Another big task that will have Gambhir's hands full will be bridging the void left by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in T20Is.
He will also have to identify and groom the next leader within the side and give him the space needed to express himself.
Hardik Pandya appears to be one of the players who will enjoy working under Gambhir in the shortest format of the game, and the latter will be keen on having a good relationship with him.
India need a solid leader for T20I cricket and a blueprint in place for the next World Cup in this format, of which they will be co-hosts in 2026.
#3 Aiming for glory in red-ball cricket
India, who are one of the best Test teams in the world, have not tasted a lot of success in the ICC Test Championship ever since its inception in 2019.
However, not tasting a lot of success may not be the best way to phrase this as they have been in the final of the championship on two occasions - first against New Zealand in 2021 and then again against Australia in 2023.
However, they lost both the finals, and came within inches of lifting the title for the first time.
One of the biggest responsibilities for Gambhir will be to make sure that India finally lift the only trophy that is missing from their cabinet.