Cricket in India has a rich history, and behind every successful team, there’s a coach guiding the players to perform at their best. From the early days of Indian cricket to the modern era, several coaches have left a lasting impact on the game. In this blog, we bring you a complete Indian Cricket Coach List, highlighting their contributions, achievements, and the legacy they have created for Indian cricket.
Former Indian Cricket Coaches: A Complete List
Indian cricket has been guided by several legendary coaches over the years. Here’s a detailed Indian Cricket Coach List of men’s head coaches, including 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 (Team Director) | 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 & South Africa) | India |
| Gautam Gambhir | 2024–present | India |
Keki Tarapore
Keki Tarapore was the first name on the Indian cricket coach list, serving as India’s head coach in 1971. Though his tenure was brief, Tarapore played an important role in mentoring young players and laying the foundation for future coaching strategies in Indian cricket.
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Keki Tarapore |
| Tenure | 1971 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | First official coach, structured training programs, mentoring young talent |
| Legacy | Pioneered professional coaching in Indian cricket |
Hemu Adhikari – Indian Cricket Coach List
Brief Overview:
Hemu Adhikari served as India’s head coach from 1971 to 1974, earning a place on the Indian cricket coach list for his significant contributions during the early years of structured coaching in Indian cricket. He was known for his tactical understanding of the game and focus on developing young talent.
Key Contributions & Achievements:
- Served as head coach for three years, providing stability and guidance to the team.
- Focused on improving batting techniques and strategic play.
- Mentored emerging players, helping them transition to international cricket.
- Introduced discipline and modern coaching methods for the team.
- Played a role in preparing India for overseas tours and important series.
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Hemu Adhikari |
| Tenure | 1971–1974 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | Mentored young players, improved batting techniques, introduced disciplined training |
| Legacy | Strengthened India’s coaching structure and prepared players for international success |
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Gulabrai Ramchand
Brief Overview:
Gulabrai Ramchand served as India’s head coach in 1975, earning his place on the Indian cricket coach list. Known for his experience as a former Indian all-rounder, Ramchand brought valuable insights and guidance to the team during his tenure.
Key Contributions & Achievements:
- Provided tactical guidance and mentoring during his coaching period.
- Emphasized fitness and fielding techniques to improve overall team performance.
- Contributed to developing a disciplined approach on and off the field.
- Helped the team prepare for domestic and international competitions.
Quick Facts Table:
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Gulabrai Ramchand |
| Tenure | 1975 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | Mentored players, emphasized fitness and fielding, shared international experience |
| Legacy | Added value through experience and guidance, strengthened team discipline |
Datta Gaekwad
Brief Overview:
Datta Gaekwad served as India’s head coach in 1978. A former Indian Test batsman, he brought a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to the team, helping players refine their skills and approach to the game.
Key Contributions & Achievements:
- Focused on improving batting techniques and mental toughness.
- Provided mentorship to younger players transitioning into international cricket.
- Emphasized discipline, training routines, and strategic thinking.
- Helped the team prepare for challenging overseas tours.
- Shared insights from his international playing experience to enhance team performance.
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Datta Gaekwad |
| Tenure | 1978 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | Mentored young players, improved batting skills, emphasized strategy and discipline |
| Legacy | Strengthened India’s batting lineup and instilled professionalism in the team |
Salim Durrani – Indian Cricket Coach List
Brief Overview:
Salim Durrani served as India’s head coach from 1980 to 1981. A former all-rounder known for his clever spin and medium-pace bowling, Durrani brought tactical knowledge and experience to the team, helping players develop both mentally and technically.
Key Contributions & Achievements:
- Focused on improving the team’s bowling strategies and fielding standards.
- Mentored young players to handle high-pressure situations.
- Emphasized physical fitness and mental toughness.
- Shared insights from his international cricket experience to enhance team performance.
- Contributed to building a more disciplined and competitive squad.
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Salim Durrani |
| Tenure | 1980–1981 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | Improved bowling strategies, mentored young players, emphasized fitness and discipline |
| Legacy | Strengthened India’s overall team balance and professionalism |
Ashok Mankad – Indian Cricket Coach List
Brief Overview:
Ashok Mankad served as India’s head coach in 1982. A talented batsman who represented India in the 1970s, Mankad brought his technical expertise and experience to guide the team, focusing on improving batting consistency and overall team strategy.
Key Contributions & Achievements:
- Worked on strengthening the batting lineup with improved techniques.
- Mentored young players to adapt to international cricket.
- Encouraged strategic thinking and game awareness among the team.
- Shared insights from his playing career to enhance team performance.
Quick Facts Table:
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Ashok Mankad |
| Tenure | 1982 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | Improved batting techniques, mentored young players, emphasized strategy and discipline |
| Legacy | Helped develop a disciplined and technically sound batting unit |
PR Man Singh
Key Contributions & Achievements:
- Guided the team through multiple international tours and major tournaments.
- Focused on player development, mentoring young talent to succeed at the international level.
- Introduced structured training routines and discipline within the team.
- Emphasized tactical planning and match preparation.
- Helped build a cohesive and confident team environment.
Quick Facts Table:
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | PR Man Singh |
| Tenure | 1983–1987 |
| Nationality | India |
| Role | Head Coach |
| Notable Contributions | Mentored young talent, organized structured training, emphasized strategy |
| Legacy | Strengthened team cohesion and professionalism during the 1980s |
Final Words
Coaches have always played a crucial role in shaping the Indian cricket team, from the early pioneers to today’s modern strategists. Each name on the Indian Cricket Coach List has contributed in their own unique way—mentoring players, building discipline, and guiding India to memorable victories. Understanding the legacy of these coaches gives us a deeper appreciation of the hard work, dedication, and vision behind every successful Indian cricket team.
FAQ’s
- Who is the current Indian cricket coach?
Gautam Gambhir is the current head coach of the Indian cricket team, taking charge in 2024. - Who was India’s first cricket coach?
Keki Tarapore was India’s first official head coach in 1971, marking the beginning of structured coaching in Indian cricket. - Which Indian cricket coach served the longest tenure?
PR Man Singh served as head coach from 1983 to 1987, making his tenure one of the longest in the early years of Indian cricket coaching. - Have foreign coaches led the Indian cricket team?
Yes, John Wright (New Zealand), Greg Chappell (Australia), Gary Kirsten (South Africa), and Duncan Fletcher (Zimbabwe) have all served as head coaches of India. - Who has been the most successful coach for India?
Ravi Shastri is considered one of the most successful coaches, having led India to multiple series wins and significant achievements during his tenure from 2017 to 2021. - Are there interim coaches in Indian cricket history?
Yes, several coaches like Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Bangar, and VVS Laxman have served in an interim capacity during transitions between permanent coaches.
