India National Cricket Team Coaches List | 1971–2026

Indian cricket has grown from a developing side into one of the strongest cricketing nations in the world. This tag was earned through consistent performances across all formats, especially on foreign soil. Behind every star player and memorable victory, there is a dedicated support staff that works tirelessly in the background.

An important part of this system is the role of the head coach. Over the years, India national cricket team coaches have guided players, built team discipline, and introduced new strategies. Their leadership, experience, and vision have played a key role in the overall growth and success of Indian cricket at the international level.

Indian Cricket Team Coaches (Updated List)

The Indian Cricket Team Coaches list shows all the leaders who have guided the team over the years. Below is a complete list of india national cricket team coaches, highlighting their roles and contributions to Indian cricket.

Who Have Been Indian National Cricket Team Coaches?

Since 1971, numerous coaches have guided the men in blue with their distinctive coaching philosophies. Due to their coaching leadership, India has obtained significant achievements in major competition tournaments. The article explores every lead position in Team India and examines how each strategist supported the national squad.

24. Gautam Gambhir | 2024 – Present

India's former left-handed opening batter, Gautam Gambhir, took over as the Indian cricket team head coach in 2024. He brought his aggressive leadership style to build up the national squad.

Since he became the head coach of the indian cricket team, he started his coaching journey on a low note, where India was defeated by NZ on home soil after many years, got defeated in the BGT series, resulting in disqualification in the WTC 2025 final. However, he turned the tables and helped the Indian team win the Champions Trophy 2025, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.

23. Rahul Dravid | 2021 – 2024

The wall of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, took an opportunity as head coach of the Indian cricket team in 2021 and led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup title. His main objective was to develop promising youngsters, along with developing reserve players.

He was the U-19 head coach during 2018, where he groomed youngsters like Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and even Abhishek Sharma. In his coaching career, the team saw consistency and became World Cup 2023 finalists and won the 2024 T20 World Cup title. He is one of the best India national cricket team coaches of all time.

22. Ravi Shastri | 2017 - 2021

The Indian team appointed Ravi Shastri as India cricket head coach from 2017 to 2021 after serving as interim and team director. During his coaching, Virat Kohli's captaincy was groomed and became one of the top test cricket teams. When he took charge, the team registered their first Test series win against Australia, that too on their home soil.

21. Anil Kumble | 2016 – 2017

During one year of team leadership, Anil Kumble emerged as a coach who specialised in bowling. During his coaching, a disciplined side of Indian cricket was seen and a better side. Under his coaching, the team was on the path of revolution in winning test matches at home and scoring high team totals.

20. Duncan Fletcher | 2011 – 2015

The former Zimbabwean cricketer, Duncan Fletcher, took the charges as head coach of India after the iconic 2011 World Cup victory. India won their 2nd Champions Trophy title with his guidance, although they faced difficulties during Tests played outside their home grounds. During his management period, he focused on developing athletes' fitness and technical abilities.

19. Gary Kirsten | 2008 – 2011

One of the most successful Indian coaches, Gary Kirsten, took the Men in Blue to their famous 2011 World Cup win. Under his guidence The Indian team became the number one Test ranking. He had a good bond with one of the best captains in the world, MS Dhoni, which helped the team work well together. Everyone considers him the most successful india national cricket team coaches.

18. Lalchand Rajput | 2007–2008

Lalchand Rajput took charge of India during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Under his guidance, the team achieved its first historic victory in the format. He focused on developing young players and helping the squad adapt to T20 cricket, building a strong foundation for future success.

17. Greg Chappell | 2005 – 2007

The former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell served as head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2005 to 2007. He introduced innovative strategies and made new player selections, but his unconventional coaching style was not well-received by some players. His tenure ended following India’s disappointing performance in the 2007 World Cup.

16. John Wright | 2000 – 2005

India made John Wright their first foreign head coach during his tenure from 2000 to 2005. Under his leadership, India attained victories in both the final of the 2003 World Cup and a series abroad. Under his leadership, India developed a solid team foundation, which included the talents of Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag, due to his steady and professional approach.

15. Kapil Dev | 1999 – 2000

One of the best all-rounders in the world, Kapil Dev, was the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from 1983, when they won their first World Cup title, before serving as the coach from 1999–2000. His objective centred on restoring fighting attitudes, together with aggression toward the team. His early coaching term was terminated prematurely due to match-fixing allegations that were afterwards proven baseless.

14. Anshuman Gaekwad | 1997 – 1999

Anshuman Gaekwad served and returned as a coach twice to prioritise team spirit. He guided the team through steady gameplay by providing opportunities to emerging players. The team experienced stability because he maintained a composed attitude during challenging times.

13. Madan Lal | 1996 – 1997

India received coaching from 1983 World Cup hero Madan Lal for roughly one year. He dedicated his efforts to developing each part of the cricket team, including batting, bowling, and fielding. The coach used his energetic approach and strong enthusiasm to drive up player performance.

12. Sandeep Patil | 1996

The cricket authority selected Sandeep Patil to lead India’s cricket team as head coach in 1996. He made training systems updates to match current standards. His short time in the position enabled him to bring new concepts to the team roster.

11. Ajit Wadekar | 1992–1996

Ajit Wadekar led India successfully through his coaching role from 1992 to 1996. During his leadership, India showed excellent home performance and gained valuable self-assurance. Thanks to his leadership direction, India succeeded consistently on home grounds.

10. Abbas Ali Baig | 1991–1992

India received management from Abbas Ali Baig between 1991 and 1992. He spent most of his time helping develop cricketers for future success. Under his teaching approach, he taught how to improve technical skills while encouraging individual growth.

9. Bishan Singh Bedi | 1990 – 1991

Bishan Singh Bedi took the coach position in 1990. He dedicated himself to enhancing India’s bowling strategies by focusing on spin techniques. He made a lasting impact during his brief coaching period through his honest coaching style.

8. Chandu Borde | 1988

In 1988, Chandu Borde served as the head coach of indian cricket team. One of his primary responsibilities was to unite the players and strengthen teamwork and team spirit. His deep cricketing knowledge helped guide the team through a competitive phase.

7. PR Man Singh | 1983 – 1987

The team manager, PR Man Singh, guided India to their World Cup victory in 1983 while being regarded as the driving force behind their success. Singh contributed to team planning activities and coordination efforts. The historically important victory of India depended significantly on his discreet contribution.

6. Ashok Mankad | 1982

During its brief 1982 coach assignment, Ashok Mankad took charge. Under his leadership, he dedicated efforts to developing team strategies and training players for advancement. Through his local cricketing career, he directed multiple young players who were learning under him.

5. Salim Durrani | 1980 – 1981

India received coaching services from Salim Durrani spanning the years 1980 to 1981. Due to his batting expertise, he focused his coaching efforts on developing superior strike-playing capabilities within the team. Under his leadership, India adopted an offensive strategy for their cricket approach.

4. Datta Gaekwad | 1978

The Indian national team received brief coaching from Datta Gaekwad during a transformation period in 1978. The team received needed structure when leadership changed multiple times since his appointment as coach. With his relaxed approach, Datta Gaekwad guided his team through a difficult stage.

3. Gulabrai Ramchand | 1975

Gulabrai Ramchand directed India as their coach in their inaugural appearance at the 1975 Cricket World Cup. Through his expertise, he explained the basic principles of the newly introduced one-day format to the team members. India faced mostly poor results, but his work helped the team understand the new ODI format.

2. Hemu Adhikari | 1971 – 1974

Hemu Adhikari served as India’s head coach from 1971 to 1974. As coach during the 1971 tour to England, he concentrated on developing both team discipline and physical conditioning standards. Sunil Gavaskar, along with other young talents, received essential guidance from him at the beginning of their professional careers.

1. Keki Tarapore | 1971

Keki Tarapore took the charges as head coach of indian cricket team during their 1971 tour of England. He dedicated his brief coaching stint to preparing Indian cricket players for international match circumstances. The team experienced success in its historic worldwide victory while receiving quiet direction from Keki Tarapore.

Current Indian Cricket Team Head Coach & Coaching Staff (2026)

The current Indian Cricket Team coaching staff works to build a strong and well-balanced team for all formats. In the leadership of the head coach of the Indian Cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, who guided India to victories in the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup in 2025. His name comes among the best openers in the world.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel works on India’s pace attack, and Ryan ten Doeschate focuses on player development, strategies, and white-ball tactics. Fielding coach T. Dilip specialises in fielding skills.