The guides of Indian cricket!
The role of a cricket coach goes beyond strategy; it involves nurturing talent, maintaining discipline, and guiding players to their highest potential. In cricket-obsessed nations like India, the coach's impact is immense, often rivalling that of legendary players. These mentors shape their teams with their wisdom and experience, despite often operating in the shadows of cricketing greats. Indian coaches face similar challenges and media scrutiny as their players, yet they frequently receive little recognition for their contributions to the team's success.
Gary Kirsten, initially an unexpected choice for Team India's coach after their 2007 T20 World Cup win, accepted the role and formed a strong bond with captain MS Dhoni. Kirsten’s vast international experience and Dhoni’s strategic acumen led India to numerous successes, including back-to-back Test series wins over Australia, a rare series victory in New Zealand, and reaching the number one Test ranking in 2009. The limited-overs team also achieved triumphs like a tri-series win, the Asia Cup, and the 2011 World Cup. During the victory parade, Kirsten was honoured by Suresh Raina and a young Virat Kohli, reflecting his esteemed legacy.
Former New Zealand cricketer John Wright had a notable coaching tenure with Team India, often working alongside Sourav Ganguly and occasionally with Rahul Dravid. Wright and Ganguly’s partnership became a celebrated chapter in Indian cricket history. Under their leadership, India achieved significant Test victories in England and Australia and made history with a win. The team also reached the final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, falling just short against an unbeatable Australian side. Wright’s tenure was marked by memorable successes and key milestones for Indian cricket.
Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid took over as the team’s coach after their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2021. His appointment coincided with Rohit Sharma becoming the new all-format captain. Under Dravid's guidance, the Indian team has achieved remarkable success, including dominant performances at home, white-ball series victories in England and the West Indies, and securing a place in the final of the 2023 World Test Championship. However, his crowning achievement is the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dravid’s tenure has marked a period of significant achievements and stability for the Indian cricket team.
Duncan Fletcher joined the Indian team after the 2011 World Cup, following Gary Kirsten's recommendation. Under Fletcher and MS Dhoni's leadership, India achieved notable success, winning eight consecutive series and lifting the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. His tenure saw significant home victories, including a 5-0 ODI series win against England in 2011 and a 4-0 Test series win over Australia. Although India was a strong contender for the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, batting issues in the final against Sri Lanka thwarted their chances. By the end of Fletcher’s tenure, marked by the 2015 World Cup, his impact was profound and memorable.
Ravi Shastri, endorsed by cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman, became Team India’s coach in July 2017. He aimed to impart his decade of playing experience, including India’s 1983 World Cup win, to Virat Kohli and the team. While India didn’t win an ICC title under his tenure, Shastri led the team to a historic Test series win in Australia. A couple of years later, despite injuries, India achieved another remarkable series win in Australia, overcoming their 36-run defeat in the first Test.
These men have collectively shaped the direction of Indian cricket. The global dominance that India enjoys in the sport can be hugely attributed to them!
