By The Indian Cricket team is one of the most prestigious teams in the world. Fans admire the players, their talent, skills on the field and most importantly, the efforts they put in winning the match. But the man who quietly guides the team is often overlooked, and that is the COACH.
Over the years, the India National cricket team coaches have passionately guided the team and helped it secure several trophies, including ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups and World Test Championships.
Each coach brought something different. Some built strong teams, a few had tough times, yet were supportive, and many created history. Here, we will explore the full list of the India national cricket team coaches who shaped the team.
Who is the New Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team?
Former Indian cricket team member Gautam Gambhir, or GG or Gauti, is the current head of the Indian cricket team. He has been on the training team for the last two years, tenure year 2024-present. In his guidance, the Indian cricket team has won three significant tournaments.
India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad. The proudest moment for the coach, team and true cricket fans.
- 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in Dubai. The first-ever trophy in 12 years.
- 2025 Asia Cup
India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets. One of the best moments for Team India.
He is one of the India National cricket team coaches, holding the most white-ball titles. This is just the beginning of his journey, and expectations are high.
As the Indian team head coach, he is shaping the future with a strong mindset and a fresh approach. Fans are excited to see what comes next. There is always hope when the Indian cricket team takes the field. The spirit, support and energy of the team is indeed notable.
Coaches Who Shaped the Indian Cricket Team
We have listed the top 10 India National cricket team coaches and their tenures
before Gautam Gambhir.
1. Rahul Dravid
Before Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, another Indian cricketer, was the Indian team head coach. He is known as ‘The Wall’ of the Indian cricket team and brought calmness and patience. Dravid’s approach was simple: build strong basics and trust in the process.
Achievements
- 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup
- 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
- 2023 Asia Cup
- Numerous bilateral series
2. Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri is one of the legends when it comes to the India national cricket team coaches. His style was bold and confident. He backed players strongly and followed an aggressive game style. Under him, Team India performed well and won several tournaments, especially in Test Cricket. He has been on the Indian cricket coach list three times: 2 times as a full coach and one time as an interim.
Achievements
- 2018 Asia Cup
- Multiple ODI and T20I series in Australia, South Africa, and England
3. Anil Kumble (3 times – full + interim)
Anil Kumble was the Indian team head coach for 2016-17. He brought discipline and strong values. Players respected him a lot. His coaching period was short, but it was impactful.
Achievements
- He didn’t win any major ICC tournament trophies, but under his coaching, the team won 100% of its test matches. The matches were against West Indies, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia.
4. Duncan Fletcher
If there is one master who worked behind the scenes, it is Duncan Fletcher. He is one of the India national Cricket team coaches who faced ups and downs during his tenure. But he helped maintain stability and unity in the team, which is mandatory for any sports team.
Achievement
- 2013 ICC Champions Trophy
5. Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten is considered the best Indian team head coach on the list. He followed a calm nature and a simple approach. Former South African cricketer Gary is the most recognised Indian team head coach, having brought several exceptional skills to the field.
Achievement
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
6. Lalchand Rajput
Lalchand Rajput coached India during the 2007 T20 World Cup. And what a moment it was, India won the very first T20 World Cup! It was the beginning of a new era.
Achievement
- 2007 T20 World Cup
7. Greg Chappell
When Greg Chappell was leading Team India, he was the most talked-about player. He is one of the India national cricket team coaches who brought many changes and also many disagreements. It was a difficult phase. However, he taught the team many important lessons.
Achievements
- India won the bilateral ODI series, including triumphs over Sri Lanka (6-1, 2005), Pakistan (4-1, 2006), England (5-1, 2006), and the West Indies (3-1, 2007)
8. John Wright
The first foreign Indian team head coach was John Wright. This was a big change for the Indian team. He worked closely with players and helped build a strong and balanced team. Under his training, the team reached the 2003 World Cup final.
Achievements
- 2002 NatWest Series in England
- Historic 2–1 home Test series win against Australia (2001)
9. Kapil Dev
One of the legendary cricketers and considered among the India national cricket team coaches, Kail Dev. Despite leaving the field in 1994, he is still the most well-known cricketer in the cricket world. He is also a 1983 World Cup-winning captain and served as a coach to the team. The hero brought experience, confidence and belief during his tenure
Achievements
- During his tenure, the Indian team did not win any tournament. Though his presence was very special and notable.
10. Anshuman Gaekwad
Hewas the Indian Cricketer with a career spanning over a decade. Anshuman is one of the India national cricket team coaches who taught exceptional playing skills to the team.
Achievements
- 2000 ICC Champions Trophy
Explore the full list of the India National cricket team coaches with their tenure and nationality.
| 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 | 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 & Tour of South Africa) | India |
| Gautam Gambhir | 2024–present | India |
The King Makers!
Every coach has left a mark on the Indian team.
Some gave us trophies.
Some gave us lessons.
And some gave us a strong future.
Together, they created the champions.
The team we often love cheering for is all because of the guidance from India National cricket team coaches. Their unity, belief and trust in each other is built by none other than coaches.
And honestly, this is the beauty of the Indian cricket team. It is never about a single player; it is always about the entire team. All credit goes to the Indian team head coach. Thank you, Coaches, for your relentless efforts and giving Cricket a strong and esteemed team.
