List of top 3 India national cricket team coaches

Cricket is more than just a sport in India — it is a shared emotion that brings together millions of people across regions, cultures, and backgrounds. The game holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, forming one of the country’s strongest and most unifying passion points. Over the years, the Indian national cricket team has scaled new heights, thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of its coaches, who have played a vital role behind the scenes. Since India began competing on the global stage, the national team has had the guidance of over 20 head coaches, both Indian and international, each bringing their unique vision and expertise.

From strategizing game plans and mentoring players to building team spirit and managing high-pressure situations, these coaches have been instrumental in shaping India into one of the most formidable teams in world cricket. Names like John Wright, Gary Kirsten, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid stand out for their significant contributions. Their leadership helped India win major ICC trophies, reach the No. 1 Test ranking, and nurture world-class talent. The journey of Indian cricket’s rise on the global stage is incomplete without acknowledging the crucial role played by these dedicated coaches. In this blog piece, checkout the list of top three India national cricket team coaches.

List of three best India national cricket team coaches

1. Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten played a pivotal role in one of the most successful eras of Indian cricket, guiding the national team to its 2011 ICC World Cup victory and achieving the No. 1 Test ranking. His coaching style was defined by a deep understanding of individual player needs and a strong focus on building personal relationships across the squad—not just with captains or star performers.

Kirsten’s ability to connect with players on and off the field significantly contributed to enhancing their individual performances. One of the most impactful partnerships during his tenure was with MS Dhoni, India's captain at the time. Their mutual respect and trust created a sense of unity and calm within the dressing room, which translated into consistent performances on the field.

2. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid took over as the head coach of the Indian cricket team in 2021, bringing with him a vision focused on long-term growth and stability. A key part of his approach was developing young talent and building a strong bench, ensuring India always had reliable backup options. His prior experience as head coach of India’s U-19 team in 2018 proved valuable, having groomed future stars like Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and Abhishek Sharma.

Under Dravid’s calm and methodical leadership, the Indian team became more consistent across formats. His planning, composure, and focus on player development played a crucial role in India reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and eventually clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup which was a massive cricket update. Dravid’s ability to instill belief, manage pressure, and promote team unity helped shape a confident and balanced side capable of performing on the biggest stages.

3. Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2017 to 2021, following earlier stints as team director and interim coach. His tenure marked a transformative era in Indian cricket, defined by boldness, aggression, and a strong emphasis on self-belief. Shastri brought a fearless mindset into the dressing room, instilling the belief that India could win not just at home, but also in challenging overseas conditions.

Under his leadership, the team saw a remarkable shift in attitude, especially in red-ball cricket. Working closely with captain Virat Kohli, Shastri helped shape a dominant Test side that rose to the top of the rankings. One of the standout achievements during his time was India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, which they followed up with another win Down Under in 2020-21, despite injury setbacks.

India also performed well in white-ball cricket under his guidance, reaching the semi-finals of the 2019 ICC World Cup and finishing as finalists in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021. Shastri’s passionate approach, strong man-management skills, and commitment to excellence played a major role in making India a formidable force across formats.

List of India national cricket team coaches