India National Cricket Team Coaches List | 1971–2025

Cricket forms an extensive passion point throughout India because many people unite around the sport. India national team coaches have always worked hard to help the Indian cricket team reach new heights of success. There have been more than 20+ head coach of indian cricket team who have contributed towards improving the national team's game and tasted the success of being top of the world.

• The coaching staff devotes their work behind the scenes to lead the team through support operations, though audiences and media typically focus their attention on team members, but there should be appreciation for the coaching staff of the team who put a lot of effort into improving and enhancing the game of all players. A suitable head coach of a team always has a positive impact on the success of the team and overall performance.
• The coaching in Indian Cricket has seen evolution over the years from 1971 till 2025, where the coaching system has been improved over time, and the number of former players has taken the role of India cricket head coach and flourished well in the team's success, along with these some foreign coaches took the responsibility and even made Indian team successful with their expertise.

Indian Cricket Team Coaches (1971-2025) - Updated List

Who are the Indian National Cricket Team Coaches?

Since 1971, numerous coaches have guided the Indian cricket team 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

In 2024, Gautam Gambhir took over as the Indian cricket team head coach, bringing his aggressive leadership style to build up the national squad. He brought a new era to the Indian cricket team. 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. But he made Team India win the 2025 Champions Trophy while remaining unbeaten in all matches. The brave character of his nature, combined with his unselfish team approach, brought new energy to the entire team.

23. Rahul Dravid | 2021–2024

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. Through his approach of planning and calmness, Dravid brought stability to his team.

22. Ravi Shastri | 2017-2021

The Indian team appointed Ravi Shastri as their Indian cricket team head coach from 2017 to 2021 after serving as interim and team director. His coaching saw a bold approach where the Indian team saw a revolution in the mindset of winning in home as well as away matches. During his coaching, Virat Kohli's captaincy was groomed and became one of the top test cricket teams. When he took charge, the team earned their first Test series wins against Australia twice, ICC World Cup 2019 semi-finalists, and WTC 2021 finalists.

21. Anil Kumble | 2016–2017

During one year of team leadership, Anil Kumble emerged as a coach who specialized in bowling. During his coaching, a disciplined side of Indian cricket was seen and more better side. Under his coaching, the team was on the path of revolution in winning test matches at home and scoring high team totals. The team's spinning department saw a rise with the skillset of the legendary spinner turned into a coach.

20. Duncan Fletcher | 2011–2015

The Zimbabwean coach Duncan Fletcher led India after the iconic 2011 World Cup victory. India captured the 2013 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 athlete fitness and technical abilities.

19. Gary Kirsten | 2008–2011

Gary Kirsten coached India to their 2011 World Cup win and number one Test ranking. His player relations extended beyond team captaincies, so he devoted time to enhancing each player’s performance. He had a good coach-player bond with MS Dhoni, which eventually helped in team cohesiveness and bringing the ICC World Cup 2011 home.

18. Lalchand Rajput | 2007–2008

Lalchand Rajput took charge of India when they became world champions in the first T20 tournament in 2007. India experienced its first historic victory under this coach, even though his time at the helm was brief. The coach assisted his team in transforming into the T20 format by training up-and-coming players and adapting to the new format of the game. He worked well with the young squad and helped the team to win the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007.

17. Greg Chappell | 2005–2007

The former Australian cricket player Greg Chappell joined as the head coach of the Indian cricket team between 2005 and 2007. The coach implemented innovative strategies alongside new player selections, yet received team-related criticism throughout his time. He had a very different kind of approach towards coaching and which was not liked by the other players. His coaching tenure ended after the disappointment in the 2007 World Cup, and Indian couldn't perform well.

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 Dravid and Sehwag, due to his steady and professional approach. He used to have a friendly bond with the players in the team, but focused on professionalism along with it.

15. Kapil Dev | 1999–2000

Kapil Dev was the captain of the Indian Cricket Team from 1983 when they won their first World Cup title, before as the coach from 1999–2000. His objective centered on restoring fighting attitudes, together with aggression toward the team. His early coaching term was terminated short due to match-fixing allegations that were afterward proven baseless. He was the first iconic star to fill the big shoes of coaching, but he got caught up in the false allegations.

14. Anshuman Gaekwad | 1997–1999

Anshuman Gaekwad served and returned as a coach twice to prioritize 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 as well as 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 to 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

During 1988, Chandu Borde led Indian cricket as its head coach. The first task of his leadership role involved bringing the team members together to build both teamwork and team spirit. The cricket knowledge he possessed steered players through their competitive season.

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 led a short period as the Indian team’s coach 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 (2025)

Currently, the head coach of Indian cricket team is Gautam Gambhir, who started his coaching tenure back in 2024. He has been looking to provide a face to the Indian cricket team. Recently, he was mentoring two IPL sides, LSG and KKR in 2023 and 2024 respectively, where his skill of teaching was built up, and then he got the role of head coach of Indian cricket team. He started his coaching tenure with decisions on choosing his supporting staff to work with them during his coaching tenure. Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as batting coach, Morne Morkel as bowling coach, and T Dilip as fielding coach, continuing his services for the Indian Cricket team. The new coaching staff has been loved by the fans but faced criticism due to the initial unsuccessful tours, but there has always been a new revolution in the so-called "GG Era".

Coaching Achievements and Challenges

Coaching is not an easy job and takes a lot of effort and hard work. While the coaches have always been working behind the scenes and have not been treated fairly, the winning is always associated with the players, and the loss is blamed on the coach and his staff. Here are some of the coaching achievements and challenges:

World Cup Wins

• 1983 ODI World Cup under the guidance of manager PR Man Singh.
• 2007 T20 World Cup under Lalchand Rajput.
• 2011 ODI World Cup under Gary Kirsten.
• 2024 T20 World Cup under Rahul Dravid.

Test Series Success

• John Wright helped India draw a historic Test series in Australia in 2003-04.
• Anil Kumble helped in the domination of home matches.
• Ravi Shastri helped the winning Indian team win the BGT in Australia twice in 2018–19 and 2020–21.

ICC Champions Trophy

• India won the 2013 Champions Trophy under Duncan Fletcher.
• India won the 2025 Champions Trophy under Gautam Gambhir.

Conclusion: The Role of Coaches in India’s Success

Coaches have maintained an essential role throughout the entire history of the Indian cricket team. The team has achieved victories in major tournaments thanks to their coaching staff, which also guides newcomers and manages numerous challenges throughout their extended history. While they remain off-field staff members, their dedication substantially enhances team performance.

The future of Indian cricket appears promising because of the newly introduced concepts and dynamic personnel.