Kapil Dev wishes Team India well as Gautam Gambhir takes over as head coach

Kapil Dev has sent his best wishes to Team India as Gautam Gambhir steps into the role of head coach for the Indian cricket team. Gambhir’s new position starts with India’s limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. His appointment was officially announced last Wednesday.

Gambhir did not participate in the recent Zimbabwe tour, where VVS Laxman filled in as the acting coach. Unlike his predecessors Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, Gambhir has no prior coaching experience. However, he has served as a mentor for three seasons—two with Lucknow Super Giants and one with Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this year. His record as a mentor is impressive: LSG reached the IPL Playoffs in 2022 and 2023, while KKR won the title two months ago.

Despite lacking formal coaching experience, Gambhir brings a strong track record and a balanced mix of aggression and strategy. Many believe he is the right person to take Indian cricket to new heights. Gambhir’s peers have been supportive of his new role, with some considering him the best candidate for the job. However, Kapil Dev, the former India captain, chose not to comment extensively on Gambhir's appointment. Instead, he offered his good wishes to the team and its players.

"If Gautam Gambhir is taking up that post (of head coach of the Indian cricket team), I wish good luck to him and the team. I hope they do better than what we have done previously. I want to wish the Indian players all the best," Kapil told PTI at the 2nd edition of the Trinity Golf Champions League in New Delhi.