10 Most Successful Coaches in Cricket History
Ravi Shastri
Through an ICC trophy as a coach eluded him throughout his Indian national team tenure, Ravi Shastri turned the Men in Blue into a dominant Test side, most notably securing two historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins in Australia. His bold partnership with captain Virat Kohli, led India to the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
Stephen Fleming
While former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming might not have coached a national team, he is well-known for his role as head coach of IPL side Chennai Super Kings since 2009. Fleming's exceptional record includes leading CSK to a record five IPL and two CLT20 titles, with his strategy including backing experienced players.
Trevor Bayliss
A legendary white-ball coach, Trevor Bayliss guided England to its maiden ICC Cricket World Cup title in 2019, popularly through his 'hands-off' coaching style. Bayliss also led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, solidifying his status as a highly successful coach in the modern limited-overs formats of cricket.
John Wright
As India's very first foreign coach in 2000, John Wright is credited with bringing up a fearless Indian team alongside captain Sourav Ganguly, defined by his professionalism and discipline. His legacy includes the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy joint-win, reaching the 2003 World Cup Final, and historic Test wins overseas, changing Indian cricket forever.
Duncan Fletcher
A World Cup great, Duncan Fletcher notably led England to a historic 2005 Ashes triumph, a first for the Three Lions after 18 years, and also guided India to the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy title. His legacy is defined by his success in transforming the English Test side and his role in managing India's transition phase, despite facing criticism for results.
Andy Flower
Having most recently led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to its maiden IPL title this summer, Andy Flower is the second Zimbabwean legend to occupy a spot on this elite list. Apart from leading England to its first-ever ICC T20 World Cup title in 2010, he has continued his legacy by achieving unprecedented success in global franchise leagues.
Dav Whatmore
Best known for guiding Sri Lanka to its maiden Cricket World Cup title in 1996, Dav Whatmore's coaching legacy includes mentoring multiple international teams around the world. He also transformed Bangladesh into a competitive cricket side, and helped the India u-19 team to the 2008 World Cup victory, which led to the emergence of Virat Kohli.
Bob Simpson
Australian legend Bob Simpson is regarded as one of cricket's greatest coaches, having famously rebuild a struggling Australian team to secure the 1987 World Cup and ending the 17-year dominance of the West Indies with the 1995 Frank Worrell Trophy win. His also set the foundation for Australia's 'Golden era' throughout the 1990s.
Gary Kirsten
Second on this elite list, South African great Gary Kirsten is revered for achieving the monumental feat of guiding India to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup trophy. His legacy is also defined by leading the Men in Blue and the Proteas national side to the ICC No. 1 Test ranking during his respective tenures from 2008 to 2013.
John Buchanan
Often regarded as the greatest cricket coach of all time, Australian icon John Buchanan is known for his innovative approach and pioneering use of computer analysis in the game. He led the dominant Australian team from 1999 to 2007 to unprecedented records, winning two consecutive World Cup titles and claiming a record 16 straight Test victories.
