Cricket in India is more than just a sport — it’s emotion, legacy, and leadership. While captains often take the spotlight, the real architects behind the scenes are the coaches. From disciplined strategists to bold game-changers, every name in the Team India Coach list has played a crucial role in shaping Indian cricket.

From the calm presence of Rahul Dravid to the aggressive mindset of Gautam Gambhir, let’s explore the complete journey of India’s head coaches over the decades.

From Rahul Dravid to Gautam Gambhir: Team India Coach List

Rahul Dravid Head Coach of India celebrates with a flag of India following the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 Final match between South Africa and India at Kensington Oval on June 29, 2024 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo: Getty Images)

Early Years of Indian Cricket Coaching (1971–1999)

The concept of a full-time head coach began in the 1970s. Before that, team managers handled most responsibilities.

Here’s how the early Team India Coach list looks:

1. Keki Tarapore (1971) – India’s first official coach.
   
2. Hemu Adhikari (1971–1974)
   
3. Gulabrai Ramchand (1975)
   
4. Datta Gaekwad (1978)
   
5. Salim Durrani (1980–1981)
   
6. Ashok Mankad (1982)
   
7. PR Man Singh (1983–1987) – Managed the historic 1983 World Cup era.
   
8. Chandu Borde (1988)
   
9. Bishan Singh Bedi (1990–1991)
   
10. Abbas Ali Baig (1991–1992)
    
11. Ajit Wadekar (1992–1996)
    
12. Sandeep Patil (1996)
    
13. Madan Lal (1996–1997)
    
14. Anshuman Gaekwad (1997–1999)
    
15. Kapil Dev (1999–2000)

This era was about building structure and discipline. Coaching roles were still evolving, and the modern support staff system hadn’t fully developed yet.

The Foreign Coach Era & Professional Shift (2000–2015)

Indian cricketers hoist coach Gary Kirsten (C) onto their shoulders after victory in the Cricket World Cup 2011 final over Sri Lanka at The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 2, 2011. India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets.
(Photo: Getty Images)

The year 2000 marked a turning point. India appointed its first foreign head coach, and professionalism increased significantly.

16. John Wright (2000–2005)

• First foreign coach.
• Helped build the Ganguly era and overseas competitiveness.

17. Greg Chappell (2005–2007)

• Controversial tenure.
• Major dressing room conflicts.

18. Ravi Shastri (Interim 2007)
    
19. Lalchand Rajput (2007–2008)
    
20. Gary Kirsten (2008–2011)

• Led India to the 2011 World Cup victory.
• One of the most successful names in the Team India Coach list.

21. Duncan Fletcher (2011–2015)

This period brought structure, fitness regimes, analytics, and global competitiveness.

Modern Era: Leadership, Stability & Transition (2016–Present)

India head coach Anil Kumble before the ICC Champions Trophy, semi-final match at Edgbaston, Birmingham. (Photo: Getty Images)

Indian cricket entered a new phase with stronger domestic systems and data-driven decisions.

22. Sanjay Bangar (Interim 2016 & 2017)
    
23. Anil Kumble (2016–2017)

• Short but impactful tenure.
• Stepped down after differences with then-captain Virat Kohli.

24. Ravi Shastri (2017–2021)

• Aggressive overseas Test wins.
• Strong bond with the leadership group.

25. Rahul Dravid (2021–2024)

• Focused on bench strength and transition.
• Guided India through multi-format rebuild phases.

26. VVS Laxman (Interim assignments in 2022–2024 tours)
    
27. Gautam Gambhir (2024–Present)

• Appointed as India’s head coach in 2024.
• Known for his fearless mindset and tactical sharpness.
• Expected to bring intensity and clarity to India’s next phase.

With Gambhir’s appointment, the Team India Coach list enters a bold new chapter.

Complete Team India Coach List (1971–Present)

For quick reference, here’s the full chronological list:

1. Keki Tarapore — 1971
2. Hemu Adhikari — 1971–1974
3. Gulabrai Ramchand — 1975
4. Datta Gaekwad — 1978
5. Salim Durrani — 1980–1981
6. Ashok Mankad — 1982
7. PR Man Singh — 1983–1987
8. Chandu Borde — 1988
9. Bishan Singh Bedi — 1990–1991
10. Abbas Ali Baig — 1991–1992
11. Ajit Wadekar — 1992–1996
12. Sandeep Patil — 1996
13. Madan Lal — 1996–1997
14. Anshuman Gaekwad — 1997–1999
15. Kapil Dev — 1999–2000
16. JohnWright — 2000–2005
17. Greg Chappell — 2005–2007
18. Ravi Shastri — (Interim) 2007; full tenures later (2014–2016, 2017–2021)
19. Lalchand Rajput — 2007–2008
20. Gary Kirsten — 2008–2011
21. Duncan Fletcher — 2011–2015
22. Sanjay Bangar — (Interim) 2016 & 2017
23. Anil Kumble — 2016–2017
24. Rahul Dravid — 2021–2024
25. VVS Laxman — (Interim) 2024 (tours)
26. Gautam Gambhir — 2024–present.

Note: A few coaches served multiple stints (e.g., Ravi Shastri) and some were explicitly interim appointments for specific tours. The list above is the commonly accepted historical record compiled by public sources. 

How Coaching Has Evolved in India

The Team India Coach list reflects three clear phases:

1. Foundational Era (1971–1999) – Structure and discipline.
   
2. Professional & Foreign Influence Era (2000–2015) – Tactical modernization.
   
3. Strategic & Leadership Era (2016–Present) – Data, bench strength, multi-format planning.

Today, coaching isn’t just about training sessions. It involves:

• Data analytics
• Mental conditioning
• Media handling
• Strategic planning across formats

Gautam Gambhir, head coach of India looks on during an India Test Squad training session at Optus Stadium on November 21, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo: Getty Images)

What Makes This Transition Important?

The move from Rahul Dravid’s calm mentorship style to Gautam Gambhir’s aggressive leadership approach signals a shift in mindset. While Dravid focused on long-term stability, Gambhir is known for high-intensity competitiveness.

FAQs about Team India Coach

Q1: Who is the current Team India head coach?
Gautam Gambhir is the current head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team (appointed in 2024).

Q2: Who was India’s first cricket coach?
Keki Tarapore was the first official coach of Team India in 1971.

Q3: Which coach won the 2011 World Cup with India?
Gary Kirsten coached India to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory.

Q4: How many coaches has India had?
India has had 25+ head coaches including interim appointments since 1971.

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From Keki Tarapore to Gautam Gambhir, this list tells the story of India’s cricketing transformation. Each coach brought a unique identity — discipline, controversy, calmness, aggression, or tactical brilliance.

As India moves forward under Gambhir’s leadership, one thing is certain: coaching will continue to play a defining role in shaping the future of Indian cricket.