India National Cricket Team Coaches List | 1971–2025

Cricket forms an extensive passion point throughout India because many people unite around the sport. 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.

India National Cricket Team Coaches List | 1971–2025

Since 1971 numerous coaches have guided the Indian cricket team with their distinctive coaching philosophy. 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 Indian cricket team head coach bringing his aggressive leadership style to build up the national squad. Team India won both 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 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. Through his approach of planning and calmness Dravid brought stability to his team.

22. Ravi Shastri  | 2017-2021

The Indian team played Ravi Shastri as their Indian cricket team head coach from 2017 to  2021 after serving as interim and team director. When he took charge the team earned their first Test series wins against Australia as well as reaching the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.

21. Anil Kumble  | 2016–2017

During one year of team leadership, Anil Kumble emerged as a coach who specialized in bowling. Many Test match victories occurred under his leadership particularly throughout home matches. 

20. Duncan Fletcher  | 2011–2015

The Zimbabwean coach Duncan Fletcher led India since their 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 individual performance. 

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.

17. Greg Chappell  | 2005–2007

The former Australian cricket player Greg Chappell joined as head coach of Indian cricket team between 2005 and 2007. The coach implemented innovative strategies alongside new player selections yet received team-related criticism throughout his time. His coaching term concluded in 2007 when India failed to perform well in the World Cup tournament.

16. John Wright  | 2000–2005

 India made John Wright their original foreign head coach throughout his tenure from 2000 to 2005. Under his leadership, India attained victories in both the final of the 2003 World Cup and 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.

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 coach during 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.

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14. Anshuman Gaekwad | 1997–1999

Anshuman Gaekwad served and returned as 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 field play. 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 effect 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 trained 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 during 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.

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Full List of Indian Cricket Team Head Coaches (1971–2025)

Here are the profiles of all the head coaches who have guided the Indian cricket team over the years:

No.	Coach Name	Years as Coach	Country	Achievements
1	Keki Tarapore	1971.	India	India won the 2013 Champions Trophy and coached during a period of transition.
2	Hemu Adhikari	1971–1974	India	Focused on team building and discipline; contributed to improving teamwork.
3	Gulabrai Ramchand	1975	India	Coached during the 1975 World Cup; helped India take early steps in ODI cricket.
4	Datta Gaekwad	1978	India	Worked on strengthening the squad’s overall performance.
5	Salim Durrani	1980–1981	India	Brought a creative approach to coaching and mentored young talent.
6	Ashok Mankad	1982	India	Helped in player development before the 1983 World Cup era.
7	PR Man Singh	1983–1987	India	Manager during India’s 1983 World Cup win; played a key backstage role in planning and morale.
8	Chandu Borde	1988	India	Coached India during tours; known for his calm approach to team handling.
9	Bishan Singh Bedi	1990–1991	India	Focused on improving bowling, especially spin bowling.
10	Abbas Ali Baig	1991–1992	India	Helped groom young players and build team strength.
11	Ajit Wadekar	1992–1996	India	Guided India to many home wins; improved team morale and structure.
12	Sandeep Patil	1996	India	Coached briefly and worked on batting technique and player support.
13	Madan Lal	1996–1997	India	Focused on improving overall team performance; coached during 1997 World Cup qualifiers.
14	Anshuman Gaekwad	1997–1999	India	Emphasized discipline and unity in the team; helped stabilize India’s performance.
15	Kapil Dev	1999–2000	India	Tried to energize the team; faced challenges before stepping down.
16	John Wright	2000–2005	New Zealand	The team won their first Test series against Australia as well as led the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
17	Greg Chappell	2005–2007	Australia	The team won their first Test series against Australia as well as led the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
18	Lalchand Rajput	2007–2008	India	The team won their first Test series against Australia as well as led the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
19	Gary Kirsten	2008–2011	South Africa	Helped India win the 2011 ODI World Cup; made India the No.1 Test team.
20	Duncan Fletcher	2011–2015	Zimbabwe	India’s first foreign coach led India to the 2003 World Cup final and won abroad.
21	Anil Kumble	2016–2017	India	Led India to several home Test wins; stepped down due to differences with the captain.
22	Ravi Shastri	2017-2021	India	The team won their first Test series against Australia as well as led 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
23	Rahul Dravid	2021–2024	India	Guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and 2023 ODI World Cup final.
24	Gautam Gambhir	2024–Present	India	Recently appointed; fans are hopeful for fresh ideas and a strong team performance.

Coaching Achievements and Challenges

Major Achievements Under Different Coaches:

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 and Ravi Shastri oversaw major home Test victories.

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 maintain 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 newly introduced concepts and dynamic personnel.