Complete Guide to India National Cricket Team Coaches: History, List & Staff Structure
India’s national cricket team has seen tremendous success over the years, from memorable World Cup victories to historic Test wins abroad.
Behind this success lies not only talented players but also a strong coaching foundation that plays a pivotal role in strategy, player development, and overall team performance.
This blog dives into the India national cricket team coaches list, highlights the current and past head coaches, and explains the role of the coaching staff that supports the squad.
India National Cricket Team Coaches List
India has had a mix of domestic and international coaches over the decades. Here’s a chronological list of some of the most notable coaches who have shaped the Indian team:
Name | Tenure | Nationality |
Keki Tarapore | 1971 | India |
Hemu Adhikari | 1971–1974 | India |
Gulabrai Ramchand | 1975 | India |
Datta Gaekwad | 1978 | India |
Salim Durrani | 1980–1981 | India |
Ashok Mankad | 1982 | India |
PR Man Singh | 1983–1987 | India |
Chandu Borde | 1988 | India |
Bishan Singh Bedi | 1990–1991 | India |
Abbas Ali Baig | 1991–1992 | India |
Ajit Wadekar | 1992–1996 | India |
Sandeep Patil | 1996 | India |
Madan Lal | 1996–1997 | India |
Anshuman Gaekwad | 1997–1999 | India |
Kapil Dev | 1999–2000 | India |
John Wright | 2000–2005 | New Zealand |
Greg Chappell | 2005–2007 | Australia |
Ravi Shastri (Interim) | 2007 | India |
Lalchand Rajput | 2007–2008 | India |
Gary Kirsten | 2008–2011 | South Africa |
Duncan Fletcher | 2011–2015 | Zimbabwe |
Ravi Shastri (team director) | 2014–2016 | India |
Sanjay Bangar (Interim) | 2016 | India |
Anil Kumble | 2016–2017 | India |
Sanjay Bangar (Interim) | 2017 | India |
Ravi Shastri | 2017–2021 | India |
Rahul Dravid | 2021–2024 | India |
VVS Laxman (Interim) | 2024 (Tour of Zimbabwe) | India |
Gautam Gambhir | 2024–present | India |
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Highlights:
- India has had 9+ major head coaches since the 1990s.
- Foreign coaches like John Wright and Gary Kirsten made significant impacts.
- Recent focus has been on developing young talent and long-term planning.
India National Cricket Team Head Coach
The head coach of the Indian cricket team is the primary strategist and decision-maker off the field. They work closely with captains, selectors, and support staff to ensure optimal performance.
Key Roles of the Head Coach
- Team strategy and planning
- Overseeing training camps and conditioning
- Tactical adjustments during the series
- Talent nurturing and mental preparation
Notable Head Coaches:
John Wright (2000–2005): First foreign coach, helped shape a competitive team.
Greg Chappell (2005–2007): Emphasised youth but had strained relationships with senior players.
Gary Kirsten (2008–2011): Mentored Dhoni’s side to the 2011 World Cup win.
Ravi Shastri (2017–2021): Known for an aggressive mindset and key overseas Test wins.
Rahul Dravid (2021–2024): Focuses on youth development and transition post-Kohli.
Gautam Gambhir (2024-Present): He expects players to play fearless cricket, especially under pressure.
“The head coach is the backbone of modern cricket, aligning vision with execution.”
India National Cricket Team Coaching Staff
Apart from the head coach, the Indian team has a specialised support system that contributes to player performance in all areas.
Current Coaching Staff Structure:
Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir
Batting Coach: Sitanshu Kotak
Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel
Fielding Coach: T. Dilip
Assistant Coach: Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate
Responsibilities:
- Batting coach refines technical and situational play
- Bowling coach manages workload and tactical execution
- Fielding coach enhances reflexes, agility, and catching
- The fitness team focuses on injury prevention and stamina
Evolution of Staff Structure:
Earlier: One coach managed all aspects
Now: Highly segmented roles tailored to performance metrics
The Role of Coaches in Indian Cricket’s Success
India’s rise in the cricketing world owes much to strategic and data-driven coaching.
Milestones Enabled by Coaching:
2007 T20 World Cup (Lalchand Rajput)
2011 ODI World Cup (Gary Kirsten)
Back-to-back Test series wins in Australia (Ravi Shastri)
2024 T20 World cup (Rahul Dravid)
2025 Champions Trophy (Gautam Gambhir)
Coach-Driven Culture:
- Fitness standards
- Team bonding camps
- Video analysis and performance reviews
How the BCCI Appoints National Coaches
BCCI follows a structured approach to appointing head coaches and staff.
Selection Process:
- Open applications through the BCCI announcements
- Evaluation by the Cricket Advisory Committee
- Interviews and presentations
Criteria:
- Experience at the international/domestic level
- Communication and leadership skills
- Vision document for the team
“BCCI’s coach selection process has become more transparent and merit-driven in recent years.”
Conclusion
From early tours managed without formal coaching to today’s sophisticated coaching frameworks, Indian cricket has undergone immense evolution.
Each head coach and support staff member has played a vital role in shaping the team’s mindset and performance.
As India continues to strive for global dominance across all formats, the strength of its coaching team remains a key factor in its journey.
About The Author:
Avijit Brahma
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!
