India national cricket team coaches: Complete guide with list of past and present coaches, salaries, FAQs, and their impact on Indian cricket.
The Indian cricket team is one of the most followed sports teams in the world. Behind the scenes of every victory, every strategy, and every player’s development are the India national cricket team coaches. From the head coach to the specialized staff, each coach plays a vital role in shaping the performance of the Men in Blue.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the history of coaches, their roles, salaries, famous names, and even the future of coaching in Indian cricket.
Contents
- 1 A Brief History of India National Cricket Team Coaches
- 2 Roles of India National Cricket Team Coaches
- 3 India National Cricket Team Coaches List (Notable Names)
- 4 💰India National Cricket Team Coach’s Salary
- 5 🔄Impact of Coaches on Indian Cricket
- 6 India’s National Cricket Team Female Coaches
- 7 🌏Foreign Vs Indian Coaches
- 7.1 ❓FAQs About India National Cricket Team Coaches
- 7.2 Who is the main coach of the Indian cricket team?
- 7.3 Is Gary Kirsten Pakistan’s coach?
- 7.4 Who is India’s bowling coach?
- 7.5 Who is the fielding coach of the Indian team?
- 7.6 India national cricket team players?
- 7.7 Who is the new head coach of the Indian cricket team?
- 7.8 India’s national cricket team female coaches?
- 8 ✅Key Takeaways
A Brief History of India National Cricket Team Coaches
India’s journey with official coaches began relatively late compared to other nations. Before the 1990s, managers or senior players guided the team. The role of a professional coach became more defined in the mid-1990s.
- Ajit Wadekar was among the first recognized head coaches (1992–1996).
- Since then, India has seen coaches like John Wright, Greg Chappell, Gary Kirsten, Duncan Fletcher, Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and more recently, Rahul Dravid.
Each coach has left a unique mark on the team’s playing style and mindset.
Roles of India National Cricket Team Coaches
The coaching staff is not just one person. It’s a team of experts handling different areas:
- Head Coach: Overall team strategy, planning, and decision-making.
- Batting Coach: Works on batting techniques, shot selection, and mental preparation.
- Bowling Coach: Improves pace and spin bowling skills, variations, and tactics.
- Fielding Coach: Ensures players stay sharp on the field, focusing on agility, reflexes, and catching.
- Fitness & Conditioning Coaches: Maintain player stamina, injury recovery, and workload management.
India National Cricket Team Coaches List (Notable Names)
Here are some of the most influential coaches in India’s cricket history:
- Ajit Wadekar (1992–96) – Pioneered structured coaching.
- John Wright (2000–05) – Guided India to 2003 World Cup Final.
- Greg Chappell (2005–07) – Controversial tenure, but focused on youth.
- Gary Kirsten (2008–11) – Coached India to 2011 World Cup win.
- Duncan Fletcher (2011–15) – Transition period post-Tendulkar.
- Anil Kumble (2016–17) – Strong disciplinarian, short stint.
- Ravi Shastri (2017–21) – Oversaw India’s rise in Test cricket overseas.
- Rahul Dravid (2021–24) – Focused on nurturing young talent.
- Gautam Gambhir (2024–present) – Recently appointed, expected to bring an aggressive mindset.
Video courtesy of Top20 Cricket
💰India National Cricket Team Coach’s Salary
Coaching the Indian team is honoured, and rewarding.
- Head Coach Salary (2024): Around ₹10 crores annually (approx. $1.2 million).
- Specialized Coaches: Bowling and fielding coaches earn between ₹2–3 crore annually.
- These numbers vary based on experience, contract duration, and performance bonuses.
👉 for comparison, the Indian coach’s salary is among the highest in international cricket, reflecting the pressure and expectations of managing one of the most high-profile teams.
🔄Impact of Coaches on Indian Cricket
- Gary Kirsten built a calm and confident unit that lifted the 2011 World Cup.
- John Wright developed India’s overseas competition.
- Ravi Shastri gave the team aggression and self-belief, especially in Tests.
- Rahul Dravid focused on building a strong bench of youngsters.
- Gambhir, the latest head coach, is expected to bring tactical sharpness and mental toughness.
Coaches may not play on the field, but their influence is seen in the team’s culture and consistency.
India’s National Cricket Team Female Coaches
While the men’s team hasn’t yet had a female coach, the Indian women’s cricket team has seen notable female mentors. For example:
- Anju Jain has coached India’s women’s team in the past.
- Amol Muzumdar is the present Indian national cricket team female coach.
With cricket evolving, it is possible that in the future, women could play a bigger coaching role even in the men’s setup.
🌏Foreign Vs Indian Coaches
India has had a mix of foreign coaches and homegrown legends.
- Foreign coaches like Wright and Kirsten brought fresh perspectives and modern methods.
- Indian coaches like Dravid and Shastri bring local insights and cultural understanding.
This balance has helped the team evolve with time while staying rooted in Indian cricket culture.
❓FAQs About India National Cricket Team Coaches
Who is the main coach of the Indian cricket team?
As of 2024, Gautam Gambhir is the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.
Is Gary Kirsten Pakistan’s coach?
Yes. After coaching India to the 2011 World Cup, Gary Kirsten later took up roles with Pakistan cricket as a consultant and coach.
Who is India’s bowling coach?
Currently, Morne Morkel holds the position of bowling coach.
Who is the fielding coach of the Indian team?
India’s recent fielding coach was T. Dilip, known for his fitness-oriented approach.
India national cricket team players?
India’s squad changes with each series, but star players like Hardik pandya, KL rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill remain core members.
Who is the new head coach of the Indian cricket team?
Gautam Gambhir (appointed in 2024) is the latest head coach.
India’s national cricket team female coaches?
Currently, there are no female coaches for the men’s team, but women like Anju Jain have coached the Indian women’s side.
✅Key Takeaways
- India national cricket team coaches are central to planning, discipline, and performance.
- The pitch may be 22 yards, but the influence of a coach spans decades of cricketing culture.
- Salaries for head coaches go up to ₹10 crores per year, reflecting their importance.
- Legendary coaches like Kirsten, Wright, Dravid, Shastri, and Gambhir have shaped different eras of Indian cricket.
Female coaching staff are gradually making their mark, especially in women’s cricket