Cricket has gained immense popularity in the recent years. As time has passed by the level of competition in cricket rose exponentially. The associate cricketing nations are also developing and playing at the major events. In the 1970s, the West Indies dominated the world cricket. Later on, the Indian cricket team and the Australians came in to dominate the cricketing fraternity. Over the years a lot of fan base has grown among countries to support their nations.
Cricketers over the years after retirement have either opened their academies or have turned out to be the coaches of their respective or different nations and any franchise cricket teams across the world. The franchise leagues have given more limelight for coaches to manage their teams to the silverware or take them to good positions as well. They not only look at the technical part of the cricketers but also their peace of mind.
They need to maintain the off-field work ethics and discipline of the players for their better performances and create a good bond amongst the players to play as a team on the field. Over the years the coaches have done these jobs excellently. But some have also failed. In the article, we will look at some of the top coaches in the world.
Here are the top 10 Cricket Coaches of All time
10. Mickey Arthur
Mickey Arthur is one of the names that have always had the headlines. He is known for his attention to detail and his focus on fitness and discipline. He has coached South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan. Under his leadership, Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017. Arthur was appointed as the director of cricket for Pakistan back in 2023. But the side failed to perform in the ODI World Cup 2023 and he was dismissed from his post.
9. Duncan Fletcher
Duncan Fletcher was known as the head coach of India’s cricket team. Under him, the Indian team won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. He was able to lead a team that was in transition, as senior players retired and left the squad. But he gained the light during his tenure with the English side. Under him, England managed to win the Ashes after a long gap of 18 years.
8. Andy Flower
Andy Flower is another Zimbabwean cricketer who has gained a lot of success in his playing days. He began his international coaching career as an assistant coach for England in 2007. Flower was then promoted to head coach of the English squad in April 2009. He led the English side to victory at the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup. They also won the Ashes series three times under him.
7. Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson is widely regarded as one of modern cricket’s top teachers. In 1996, he started his international coaching career by serving as the director of coaching at the Otago Cricket Club for seven years. He is one of the most successful cricket coaches in New Zealand. Under his guidance, the Kiwis won a series in England and South Africa. He also gained success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
6. Dav Whatmore
Dav Whatmore has been one of the most iconic names in coaching history. He led Sri Lanka to their first ICC World Cup trophy back in 1996. Later on, he made two upsets by beating Australia in 2005 and then India in the group stage of the ODI World Cup in 2007. Dav’s coaching and man-management skills have helped many teams to regain their touch.
5. Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri took over the Indian team in 2017. He transformed the nation as they won the Border Gavaskar trophy for the first time in Australia. His strong personality and his ability to motivate and inspire his players have helped the Men in Blue side play overseas. Under Shastri only they defeated Australia yet again in their homeland.
4. Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming has coached both the Chennai Super Kings and the Melbourne Stars. He is well-known for his calm and serene coaching style, as well as his ability to nurture young players. He has won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 5 times for the franchise and was one of the contenders for the next Indian coach as well.
3. Trevor Bayliss
Trevor Bayliss started as the Development Officer for the South Wales Cricket Association. He began his coaching career with the Sri Lankan national squad in 2007, eventually going on to the Sydney Sixers in 2011. He has also coached premier teams from England, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Has gained immense success wherever he has managed the side.
2. Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten started coaching the Indian team after a successful stint as a cricket player. The Proteas batter was the head coach of the Indian cricket team when they won the 2011 Cricket World Cup and has been the key to the success of the Men in Blue side during his stint. He has always been known for his ability to build strong relationships with his players, and for his attention to detail and focus on mental toughness.
1. John Buchanan
John Buchanan is regarded as the greatest coach of all time. The Australian was appointed as the coach of the Kangaroos in 1999. Under his stint the Aussies had the best time winning the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2004 India Tour, and their first ICC Champions Trophy in 2006.
