Gautam Gambhir has officially replaced Rahul Dravid as India's head coach, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed on Tuesday (July 9).

Dravid’s tenure came to an end with the T20 World Cup 2024 title win last month. In the build-up to the marquee event, the former head coach had already clarified that he won't sign an extension.

Having mentored KKR to the IPL 2024 title, Gambhir strengthened his claims for this high-profile role. The former opener and WV Raman were interviewed by BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) for the head coach post last month.

Emerging as a frontrunner, Gambhir recently completed his farewell video for KKR and his appointment was eventually announced by Shah on social media platform X.

The BCCI will soon invite applications for the team’s support staff as the tenures of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip also came to an end after the T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, a report published in Bengali newspaper Aajkal claims that Gautam Gambhir has expressed his desire to bring along Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coach for the Indian national team

Nayar, who has represented India in ODI cricket, currently serves as assistant coach at the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise in the Indian Premier League. He also holds the position of director at the KKR academy

According to the report, Gambhir and Nayar have already reached a verbal agreement regarding this potential partnership.

With Gautam Gambhir officially taking charge of the team, it can be expected that Abhishek Nayar will join the Indian coaching staff in near future.