New Delhi, Jul 9: World Cup-winning opening batter Gautam Gambhir was on Tuesday named as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid at the top post.

Dravid quit the post after India's recent T20 World Cup triumph in the Americas.

"It is with immense pleasure that I welcome Mr @GautamGambhir

as the new Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team. Modern-day cricket has evolved rapidly, and Gautam has witnessed this changing landscape up close. Having endured the grind and excelled in various roles throughout his career, I am confident that Gautam is the ideal person to steer Indian Cricket forward," BCCI secretary Jay Shah posted in his 'X' account.

"His clear vision for #TeamIndia, coupled with his vast experience, positions him perfectly to take on this exciting and most sought-after coaching role. The @BCCI fully supports him as he embarks on this new journey."

The 42-year-old Gambhir, a key member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning Indian side, led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

He was the mentor of the KKR team that won the IPL title in 2024.

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Ballia (UP) (PTI): A pastor was arrested on Monday from the Sikandarpur area for allegedly inducing religious conversion with promises of money and jobs and hurting religious sentiments, an officer said on Monday.

Acting on a complaint by Gautam Gaur of Jalpa Chowk in Sikandarpur town, police registered a case on Sunday night against Jose Thomas, 47, a resident of Patna's New Pataliputra Colony, under relevant provisions of the BNS and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.

According to the complaint, Thomas was found at a house in Ward No. 5 here, allegedly addressing 15-20 women and children, promoting conversion to Christianity and making objectionable remarks about Hindu deities while offering inducements, police said.

The police arrested the accused on Monday morning, Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh said.

He said police have recovered 124 religious books, a music system, three microphones and other items from his possession.

According to the police, Thomas, who is originally from Patna, was currently residing in Karikom, Kaddithara, in Kerala, and he was in Ballia for conversion purposes.