The head coach of a cricket team plays a crucial part in the success of a team. The head coach not only decides the team’s strategies and game plans but takes some responsibility in selecting the playing XI.

Former left-handed Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the new Indian cricket team's head coach on 9th July 2024, Tuesday. The 42-year-old Gambhir who recently led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title as a mentor, replaced Rahul Dravid who just won the T20 World Cup 2024 with Team India.

During Gambhir’s 3.5-year stint, India will play five ICC tournaments so he would like to help India win the ODI World Cup at least once. As Gautam Gambhir is set to take charge of the Indian Cricket Team, we'll look at the Indian head coaches and their records since 2000. 

Read Also: Every World Cup-winning Indian player who became India's coach later and their stats

Indian Head Coach Record since 2000 (Full Tenures)

John Wright – 2000 to 2005

John Wright, the former New Zealand cricketer served as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team from 2000 to 2005. He was the first foreign coach to lead the Indian team. He formed a brilliant partnership with former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly during the early 2000s. India couldn't win an ICC trophy but they won the Test series against Australia in 2001, some historic victories in Test matches in England and Australia, and they also reached the final of the 2003 Cricket World Cup. In 2004, India achieved a significant milestone, winning a historic Test series in Pakistan. In 2005, Wright was replaced by Greg Chappell.

Greg Chappell – 2005 to 2007

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2005 to 2007. India won a Test series in the West Indies after 35 years, won 4-1 in an ODI series against Pakistan in Pakistan, and also registered their first-ever Test victory in South Africa.

However, there were rifts within the team which were widely discussed in the media. After India’s disappointing performance in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Chappell was forced to quit the job. India were knocked out in the group stages of the ODI World Cup 2007. 

Gary Kirsten – 2008 to 2011

Gary Kirsten served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2008 to 2011. The former South African cricketer, played a huge part in India's Cricketing history, helping the side clinch the ODI World Cup after a long wait of 28 years.

Not only that but India also became the top-ranked test team for the first time in history. India won a historic test series against Australia in Australia in 2008. Kirsten’s tenure ended after the 2011 World Cup, but several talented players from his team went on to achieve so much in their cricketing careers.

Duncan Fletcher – 2011 to 2015

Former Zimbabwean cricketer, Duncan Fletcher served as the head coach from 2011 to 2015. Under his tenure, India won the 2013 Champions Trophy in England. India also reached the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup. At first, it looked like they would win the trophy once again but Australia knocked them out of the competition. His contract ended after India's exit from the World Cup.

Read Also: Ajinkya Naik becomes the youngest president of Mumbai Cricket Association

Anil Kumble – 2016 to 2017

Anil Kumble served as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2016 to 2017. During his tenure, India reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 but unfortunately lost to Pakistan. Anil Kumble had a good winning percentage with the team but they couldn't deliver in the important moments. After the loss against Pakistan, Ravi Shastri replaced Kumble as the new head coach of Team India.

Ravi Shastri – 2017 to 2021

Ravi Shastri served as Team India’s director from 2014 to 2016 and as head coach from 2017 to 2021. During his time as head coach, India reached the final of the 2021 World Test Championship, the semi-final of the 2019 ODI World Cup, and also won two back-to-back Test series in Australia.

There were highs and lows in Ravi Shastri's coaching tenure but they used to play aggressively in the Tests which helped them shine in the format. India were hoping to win an ICC title under Ravi Shastri but it didn't happen. They lost against the Kiwis in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. India made it to the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final but lost against the same opponent.

Rahul Dravid – 2021 to 2024

Rahul Dravid, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, became head coach of the team after Shastri’s exit in 2021. Dravid had previously coached the India under-19 and India A sides from 2016 to 2019. He served as Team India's head coach from 2021-24.

His period was very successful in the history of Indian cricket. India won almost every bilateral limited-overs series both at home and abroad under Dravid's coaching. The team reached the finals of two major global events in 2023 - the World Test Championship and the 50-over World Cup. However, they lost both against Australia.

But, there was a happy ending at the end of his tenure. Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s Head Coach ended after India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies. India finally managed to win their second T20 World Cup title after 17 years and their first ICC title after 11 years.

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has returned to the nets for the first time since undergoing surgery on his lower right abdomen. Asia Cup 2025 is going to start from 9th September. All the teams have started their preparations. This time the tournament will be played in T20 format. In such a situation, it is very important for Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav to be fit. The Indian skipper is now working hard to be fully fit in time for the tournament, which will also act as a key preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

If he recovers in time, SKY will not only lead the side but also have a chance to break multiple T20I records in Asia Cup 2025. Let's have a look.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests

Records Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

3,000 T20I Runs with 160+ Strike Rate

The 34-year-old is on the verge of becoming the first player in T20I history to score 3,000 runs while maintaining a strike rate above 160. He is currently 402 runs short of the milestone. No batter in history has got to 3,000 T20I runs with a strike rate above 150.

Most Centuries in T20Is

Surya also needs one more century to equal the joint record of five T20I hundreds held by Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell. Batting in the top order will give him a golden opportunity to at least equal, if not surpass, their record. Given his IPL 2025 form, breaking it outright isn’t out of the question.

Players with 150 T20I Sixes

Sky just needs four more sixes to join the elite club of players with 150 T20I sixes, with 146 sixes to his name. Only Rohit (205), Martin Guptill (173), Muhammad Waseem (168), and Jos Buttler (160) have cleared the rope more often. This one could be ticked off within a match or two.

Surya is focused on recovery and fitness

To speed up his recovery, Suryakumar withdrew from the Duleep Trophy 2025 and has been concentrating on strength-building, mobility work, and match fitness at the NCA. His training is aimed at ensuring he can handle the demands of back-to-back matches in the Asia Cup.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Every record Shubman Gill broke in test series

Surya's performance in IPL 2025

Surya was last seen playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. He batted brilliantly this season and won the Most Valuable Player award by scoring 717 runs for Mumbai Indians.

Rohit Sharma retired from the T20 format after the T20 World Cup 2024. After this, Surya is captaining the Indian T20I team. Surya has shown excellent captaincy. He has won 17 matches for India in 22 matches. 

The Indian team will start its campaign in Asia Cup 2025 from September 10, where it will face UAE. Apart from this, the big match between India and Pakistan will be played on September 14.

Shreyas Iyer is on the verge of a comeback to India’s Test and T20I squads after dominating in ODIs and IPL 2025. Selectors now see Iyer as an all-format solution for India’s middle order, especially ahead of the Asia Cup and West Indies Test series. His comeback is expected to bring stability and experience, especially on spin-friendly tracks where India has struggled lately. 

Iyer has been out of favour in Tests since a back issue and poor form saw him lose his berth during the home series against England last year. The decision-makers, however, feel Iyer has done all the right things since losing his contract after expressing a reluctance to play domestic cricket. 

Also Read: Indian Cricket Team's upcoming schedule (men and women)

Let's have a look at Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests.

Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests

105 vs New Zealand (2021)

It was one of Shreyas Iyer's best knocks in Tests against New Zealand in the first test match in Kanpur. Iyer played a phenomenal knock of 105 runs off 171 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes. This knock was memorable for Iyer as it was his debut hundred in the test match against New Zealand.

92 vs Sri Lanka (2022)

Iyer played a gem of a knock in the pink-ball Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sri Lanka in 2022. India were 86/4 after electing to bat. Iyer shone with a blistering 92 off 98 deliveries, whipping 10 fours and four maximums.

He played with the tail-enders and was the last man to be dismissed (252/10). India eventually won by 238 runs.

87 vs Bangladesh (2022)

Bowling first, India folded Bangladesh on 227. India, however, had a shaky start and were down to 94/4. Iyer then joined hands with a ferocious-looking Rishabh Pant and the duo plundered 159 runs for the fifth wicket. The pair played a part as India snatched an 87-run lead (314/10).

Iyer smacked 87 off 105 deliveries (4s: 10, 6s: 2), lifting India from the trenches.

86 vs Bangladesh (2022)

India stumbled in the first Test too (112/4 in 31.4 overs). They needed to keep the Tigers at bay. Iyer and Cheteshwar Pujara delivered the needful, stitching a 149-run partnership before the latter departed (261/5).

Iyer got out the next day after a well-struck 86 off 192 deliveries. India ended up scoring 404 in the first innings and eventually won by 188 runs.

67 vs Sri Lanka (2022)

Rishabh Pant put the Sri Lankan attack to the sword with a record-breaking half-century while Shreyas Iyer yet again conjured up a measured fifty to let India grab complete control of the second Test over Sri Lanka.

Pant’s 31-ball 50 and Iyer’s 67 after useful contributions from top-order batters meant that India set Sri Lanka a mammoth 447-run target after declaring their second innings at 303 for nine. 

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Every record Shubman Gill broke in test series

65 vs New Zealand (2021)

It was another mature knock from Iyer while playing only his second innings in the purest format. India (41/3) were in a spot of bother when the debutant arrived. Despite running out of partners, Iyer managed to carve a 125-ball 65. He ended up top-scoring for the hosts.

He was noted for fetching pivotal stands with Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha, helping India reach 167/7.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has officially released the full schedule of Asia Cup 2025. The tournament will start in UAE from 9 September. A total of eight teams will participate in this tournament divided into two groups and 19 matches will be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

At the moment, the Indian team management is busy finalizing a squad that has a balance of experience and youthful enthusiasm. The team will not play any cricket for more than a month at the moment. The long and tiring Test series against England ended on Monday. Now the team's next assignment will be Asia Cup 2025. Now it will be interesting to see which players make it to the team for this tournament.

However, there is no official information yet as to when Team India's squad will be announced. But the team's possible playing XI can be something like this.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025 date announced; BCCI yet to confirm participation against Pakistan

Surya uncertain to command the Team

The command of the Indian team in the Asia Cup can be in the hands of Suryakumar Yadav, although the regular captain of the T20 team Surya is trying to regain fitness after hernia surgery.

He is training at the National Cricket Academy, there is still uncertainty about his availability. If he does not play, then Hardik Pandya could be the biggest contender for captaincy, while Axar Patel could be his deputy.

India's potential batsmen for Asia Cup 2025

Sanju Samson will be the first choice batsman in Team India's batting department. He scored 285 runs in 9 innings this year, averaging 35, and his place in the team is almost certain. His opening partner will be Abhishek Sharma, who recorded a blistering strike rate of 193 in 14 matches in IPL 2025.

Yashasvi Jaiswal can be kept as a reserve opener, who will be fielded in case of injury or need, while Riyan Parag can also definitely find a place in the team. Tilak Verma is also likely to be in the team.

At the same time, Shreyas Iyer scored 604 runs in 17 matches in the IPL and took Punjab Kings to their second final, which has strengthened his claim. At the same time, Tilak Verma is also almost certain to be in the squad and play all the matches, as he scored 343 runs.

Possible options for wicketkeeper and all-rounder

Even though Sanju Samson is present on the wicketkeeper front, Jitesh Sharma's return as the main wicketkeeper is possible, along with him Dhruv Jurel's name can also be in the list. But between Jurel and Jitesh, the RCB wicketkeeper may have the upper hand as he scored 261 runs in the IPL while playing for RCB and has become a contender to be included in the team again due to his excellent performance.

There can also be a place for Ishan Kishan in the team. His return to the Indian senior team has not been possible for a long time. Recently, he must have caught the attention of the management by performing brilliantly in county cricket.

As an all-rounder, Hardik Pandya is a permanent fixture in the team and it is almost impossible to drop him. Along with him, Washington Sundar is also in contention. Washington Sundar may have proved to be a reliable all-rounder for Team India, but he did not get many opportunities in the IPL. Axar Patel will definitely have a place in the team as the vice-captain.

Bowlers who are most likely to be in the team

In bowling, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy are certain to be in the team. Along with them, Harshit Rana can also be seen in the team. The return of Kuldeep Yadav is also almost certain, who did not play a single match on the England tour but his selection in the Asia Cup is considered certain.

If Bumrah and Shami are not in the team, then the fast bowling can be led by Mohammed Siraj, along with whom Prasidh Krishna is also a strong option.

Also Read: BoyCott Asia Cup: India fans rage about India playing cricket against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

Gill's inclusion uncertain

Shubman Gill is in great form and he scored 650 runs in 15 matches in IPL. His bat also spoke loudly on the England tour. Although there is still a lot of time for the Asia Cup, Gill has been out of India's T20 team for a long time. He played his last match against Sri Lanka on 30 July 2024. 

KL Rahul's selection in batting is also uncertain, while Rishabh Pant is on 6 weeks rest after a toe fracture and it is not clear whether he will be fit in time or not. Apart from this, players like Ravi Bishnoi and Rinku Singh may be out of the team due to poor IPL performance. Bishnoi took only 9 wickets in 11 matches, while Rinku Singh scored 206 runs in 13 matches and weakened his chances.

The biggest concern for Team India is in fast bowling, where Jasprit Bumrah may not play in Asia Cup 2025 due to workload management. Mohammed Shami's fitness is also in question as he is still recovering from injury. Nitish Kumar Reddy can also be dropped from the team. He could neither show any magic in IPL nor could he give any impressive performance on the England tour.

India's probable squad for Asia Cup 2025

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah/Harshit Rana, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jitesh Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar.

The men’s and women’s Indian cricket teams will compete in multiple series at home and away, including Asia Cup and Women's ODI World Cup in the incoming days.

Let's have a look at Indian Cricket Team's upcoming schedule.

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Every record Shubman Gill broke in test series

No more cricket in August

After the series between India and England, with India's tour of Bangladesh postponed till 2026, as per the current situation, the Indian team will not be able to play any more cricket in August.

The next tournament for the Indian Men's Cricket team will be the 2025 Asia Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In Test cricket, India will next be seen playing two-match home series against West Indies and South Africa.

Between the two Test series, the team will tour Australia for ODI and T20I series. India will also play home series in both white-ball formats against South Africa and New Zealand before their T20 World Cup.

Women's team try to claim their maiden ICC trophy

The Indian women’s cricket team started its year with a three-match ODI series at home against Ireland in January's second week. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) was played in February-March.

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka. The tournament starts from September 30 with the final scheduled for November 2. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will have the perfect stage to claim their maiden ICC trophy. The team has finished as the runners-up twice before in the ODI World Cup.

Also Read: Watch: Captain Harmanpreet Kaur shares her POTM award with the youngster after historic ODI series win against England

Indian Cricket Team's upcoming schedule (men and women)

Here’s a look at Indian Cricket Team's upcoming schedule.

Indian Men’s Cricket Team

Indian Women's Cricket Team

The battle of supremacy in Test centuries has come a long way in cricket history. Some early established test records, defined by batting greatness, are nearly impossible to imagine being surpassed. The record for most test centuries in cricket history is one of them.

This prestigious list consists of legendary batters around the globe who have shaped the golden era of test cricket with their run-scoring consistency and centuries.

Discover the complete list of players with the most test centuries in cricket history and embrace their legacies.

Most Test Centuries in Cricket History

1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 51 centuries

The 'Little Master' Sachin Tendulkar stands right at the top with 51 test centuries in his career, spanning from 1989 to 2013. His career was a saga of brilliance against every bowling attack in every condition.

From being the youngest Indian to score a Test century at the age of 17 years and 109 days in 1990, to ending up having the most test centuries in cricket history, Tendulkar has achieved it all!

He has consistently scored tons, becoming the first and only player to ever cross the fifty-mark in test centuries. These numbers let us believe that maybe some records can never be broken.

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

2. Jacques Kallis (SA) | 45 centuries

The legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, graced the longest format from 1995 to 2013, amassing 45 test centuries. He is the only South African to feature at the top of this list and to have scored more than 30 test centuries.

Apart from personal milestones, his hundreds were often foundational blocks for South Africa's innings in the game. He provided the key balance the team needed, contributing to secure a win or draw.

3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 41 centuries

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, led Australia through a golden era, scoring 41 centuries between 1995 to 2012. Known for his aggressive yet classy style, he thrived especially in big matches, putting the opposition under pressure.

One of the memorable moments in his century collection is the twin centuries during his 100th test match against South Africa in Sydney. This came in 2006, where Ponting scored back-to-back 120 and 142* in two innings.

He is the 3rd batter to go 40+ in the list of most test centuries in cricket history.

Read Also: Most Test Runs in Cricket History (Men's)

4. Joe Root (ENG) | 39 centuries

England's highest scorer in tests, Joe Root, has scored 39 test centuries so far in his career. He has scored the most hundreds for his nation and is also the batter with the most test tons in WTC history.

He reached his 39th test century against India at the Oval, during the 5th test of their Anderson-Tendulkar series. Root is currently the World's No. 1 in the ICC Test batter rankings, and the only player in the top 5 of this list who has not yet retired.

Root's fiery form is a clear indication of him soaring higher in all charts of test cricket records, setting the standards for generations to come.

Read Also: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

5. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 38 centuries

The Sri Lankan batting maestro, Kumar Sangakkara, is a perfect example of elegance and power blended together. His ability to score big placed him in the top 5 of most test centuries in cricket history.

Sangakkara scored 38 test centuries from 2000 to 2015. One of his defining moments in his career was his 287 runs against South Africa in 2006. This knock was a part of the record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with his teammate, Mahela Jayawardene.

Most Test Centuries in Cricket History (TOP 20)

3️⃣8️⃣

Joe Root scores his 38th test ton, equalling Kumar Sangakkara's record. 💯

He now has the 4th most centuries in test cricket history.

His 12 test tons against India is also a record! #JoeRoot #ENGvsIND #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/zqdcfUunfL

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 25, 2025

Here's the tabular breakdown of the Top 20 players having the most test centuries in cricket history, featuring 6 players from Australia, 4 from India, and several other cricketing nations.

Note: Article was first written by Snighda Halder on 26th July, 2025 and later got updated by the editorial team.