The Full Indian Cricket Coach List—One Name Will Surprise You! (1971–2025)

India’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse isn’t just about iconic players—it’s also about the minds behind the scenes. Since the appointment of its first official coach in 1971, the Indian cricket team has been guided by a diverse mix of domestic legends and international tacticians. This blog post follows full Indian cricket coach list highlighting their tenure, achievements, and impact.

Historical Overview: Coaching Begins in 1971

Although India played its first Test in 1932, the concept of a formal head coach was introduced in 1971, with Keki Tarapore appointed as the first coach. Since then, the role has evolved from basic mentorship to full-fledged strategic leadership, especially in the modern era of multi-format cricket.

Complete Indian Cricket Coach List: Men’s Cricket Team Head Coaches

Coach Name	Tenure	Key Highlights
Keki Tarapore	1971	First official coach
Hemu Adhikari	1971–1974	Guided India during early tours
Gulabrai Ramchand	1975	Oversaw 1975 World Cup
Datta Gaekwad	1978	Short stint during rebuilding phase
Salim Durrani	1980	Focused on youth development
Ashok Mankad	1982	Domestic cricket integration
PR Man Singh	1983	Manager during India’s first World Cup win
Chandu Borde	1984–1986	Strengthened team discipline
Bishan Singh Bedi	1990–1991	Emphasized spin bowling culture
Ajit Wadekar	1992–1996	Led India to multiple home series wins
Madan Lal	1996–1997	Managed during 1996 World Cup
Anshuman Gaekwad	1997–1999	Focused on rebuilding post-match-fixing era
Kapil Dev	1999–2000	Controversial tenure amid off-field issues
John Wright	2000–2005	First foreign coach; led India to 2003 WC final
Greg Chappell	2005–2007	Known for experimentation and controversy
Lalchand Rajput	2007 (Interim)	Managed during inaugural T20 World Cup win
Gary Kirsten	2008–2011	Coached India to 2011 World Cup victory
Duncan Fletcher	2011–2015	Oversaw transition phase post-Tendulkar era
Ravi Shastri	2017–2021	Led India to historic Test wins in Australia
Rahul Dravid	2021–2024	Focused on youth development and ICC consistency
Gautam Gambhir	2024–Present	Current coach, known for aggressive mindset

1. Keki Tarapore (1971)

India’s first official cricket coach, Keki Tarapore laid the groundwork for structured coaching in Indian cricket. His tenure was brief but symbolic, marking the beginning of professional support for the national team. Though not associated with major wins, his appointment reflected BCCI’s intent to modernize team preparation.

2. Hemu Adhikari (1971–1974)

A former army officer and cricketer, Adhikari emphasized discipline and team unity. He played a key role in mentoring young talents like Sunil Gavaskar. His coaching style was rooted in traditional techniques and mental toughness, helping India build a competitive mindset during overseas tours.

3. Gulabrai Ramchand (1975)

Ramchand coached India during the inaugural 1975 World Cup. His tenure was short and transitional, with limited success on the field. However, he was respected for his leadership and experience as a former Test captain, guiding the team through early ODI challenges.

4. Datta Gaekwad (1978)

Gaekwad’s coaching stint came during a rebuilding phase for Indian cricket. Though not marked by major victories, he focused on integrating domestic performers into the national setup. His calm demeanor and technical knowledge helped stabilize the team post-1975 World Cup.

5. Salim Durrani (1980)

Known for his flamboyant playing style, Durrani brought flair and charisma to coaching. His focus was on encouraging expressive cricket and nurturing young talent. While his tenure didn’t yield major wins, he was popular among players for his approachable and motivational style.

6. Ashok Mankad (1982)

Mankad’s coaching was brief but notable for his emphasis on tactical awareness. He worked closely with players on match preparation and mental conditioning. His analytical approach helped India improve its game planning, especially in home conditions.

7. PR Man Singh (1983)

Though officially the team manager, PR Man Singh played a pivotal role during India’s historic 1983 World Cup win. He coordinated logistics, morale, and strategy alongside captain Kapil Dev. His contribution is widely acknowledged in India’s first major ICC triumph.

8. Chandu Borde (1984–1986)

Borde’s tenure focused on discipline and consistency. He helped India transition into a more professional setup, emphasizing fitness and fielding. Under his guidance, India maintained strong performances at home and began building a core group of dependable players.

9. Bishan Singh Bedi (1990–1991)

A legendary spinner himself, Bedi emphasized spin culture and aggressive cricket. His tenure was marked by bold decisions and outspoken views. Though controversial at times, he pushed for accountability and a fearless playing style.

10. Ajit Wadekar (1992–1996)

Wadekar’s coaching era saw India dominate at home, especially against England and West Indies. He was instrumental in building a strong batting lineup and backing emerging stars like Sachin Tendulkar. His calm leadership and tactical acumen earned widespread respect.

11. Madan Lal (1996–1997)

Madan Lal’s tenure included the 1996 World Cup, where India reached the semifinals. He focused on aggressive batting and fast bowling development. Though his stint was short, he contributed to India’s evolving ODI strategy and team confidence.

12. Anshuman Gaekwad (1997–1999)

Gaekwad’s coaching came during a turbulent phase marked by match-fixing allegations. He emphasized rebuilding trust and team morale. His conservative style focused on stability and nurturing young talent, laying the groundwork for future success.

13. Kapil Dev (1999–2000)

India’s World Cup-winning captain turned coach, Kapil Dev’s tenure was overshadowed by off-field controversies. Despite his legendary status, his coaching stint lacked major achievements. He resigned amid match-fixing investigations, marking a difficult chapter in Indian cricket.

14. John Wright (2000–2005)

India’s first foreign coach, Wright revolutionized team culture with professionalism and data-driven preparation. Under his guidance, India reached the 2003 World Cup final and won memorable Test series against Australia and Pakistan. He built a strong partnership with Sourav Ganguly.

15. Greg Chappell (2005–2007)

Chappell’s tenure was controversial, marked by clashes with senior players like Ganguly. While he introduced fitness regimes and experimentation, his methods disrupted team harmony. India’s early exit in the 2007 World Cup led to his departure and criticism from fans and media.

16. Lalchand Rajput (2007, Interim)

Rajput coached India during the inaugural T20 World Cup, leading the team to a surprise victory. His calm demeanor and support for MS Dhoni’s leadership helped India embrace the T20 format. Though interim, his impact was historic and widely celebrated.

17. Gary Kirsten (2008–2011)

Kirsten’s tenure is considered one of India’s golden eras. He coached India to the 2011 World Cup win and helped them reach No. 1 in Test rankings. His player-centric approach, tactical brilliance, and partnership with Dhoni earned him immense respect.

18. Duncan Fletcher (2011–2015)

Fletcher oversaw India’s transition post-Tendulkar era. While his tenure included overseas losses, he helped groom young players and supported Dhoni’s leadership. His analytical style and experience added depth to India’s strategic planning.

19. Ravi Shastri (2017–2021)

Shastri’s tenure was marked by aggressive cricket and historic overseas Test wins, especially in Australia. He backed Virat Kohli’s leadership and emphasized fitness, fast bowling, and fearless play. Though India didn’t win ICC trophies, their consistency improved significantly.

20. Rahul Dravid (2021–2024)

Dravid focused on youth development and stability. He integrated U-19 stars into the senior team and emphasized technical discipline. Though India fell short in ICC finals, his tenure strengthened the bench and built a long-term roadmap for success.

21. Gautam Gambhir (2024–Present)

Appointed in July 2024, Gambhir brings an aggressive mindset and tactical sharpness. Known for his fearless approach and mentoring skills, he aims to instill a winning culture across formats. His early tenure is being closely watched for ICC performance and team transformation

Coaching Impact on Indian Cricket

• World Cup Wins: PR Man Singh (1983), Gary Kirsten (2011), Lalchand Rajput (T20 2007)
• Test Milestones: Ravi Shastri’s overseas wins, John Wright’s revival of Test culture
• Youth Development: Rahul Dravid’s U-19 grooming pipeline
• Strategic Evolution: Foreign coaches introduced data analytics, fitness regimes, and mental conditioning

Also Read: What Is Cricket? Origin, Dimensions, Positions, History, Teams, Bats, Balls

Final Thoughts

India’s cricketing journey is as much about leadership as it is about talent. From Keki Tarapore’s foundational role to Gautam Gambhir’s current tenure, each coach has left a unique imprint on Team India’s legacy. Understanding this evolution offers fans and analysts a deeper appreciation of how strategy, mentorship, and vision shape cricketing success.