With Ravi Shastri becoming India coach again, The Sunday Standard takes a quick look at the tenures of the last five who held the reins...
John Wright
Nov 2000-April 2005
Rating 8/10
India’s first foreign coach was also it’s longest-serving one. Taking over at a time when fixing controversies were still around, Wright built a strong partnership with Sourav Ganguly and laid the foundation for India’s rise. He had his differences with players, but the dressing room was generally a happy place under him. Reportedly promoted VVS Laxman to No 3 for the 2001 Eden Test and helped India reach the 2003 World Cup final.
Tests: P:52 | W:21 | L:15 | D:16
ODIs: P:130 | W:68 | L:56 | T/NR:6
Greg Chappell
May 2005-April 2007
Rating 6/10
Chappell’s tenure is known for its controversies. It all started with a public tiff with Sourav Ganguly, who lost his captaincy, and ended in equally controversial fashion, as India crashed out early in the 2007 World Cup. On field, India won a ODI series in Pakistan and their first-ever Test in South Africa. Guided the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and S Sreesanth during their early days.
Tests: P:18 | W:7 | L:4 | D:7
ODIs: P:62 | W:32 | L:27 | T/NR:3
Gary Kirsten
March 2008-April 2011
Rating 9/10
Kirsten is considered as India’s most successful coach. Under him, India rose to No 1 in Test cricket and players chaired him at the Wankhede after winning the 2011 World Cup. He shied away from publicity and mostly worked behind the scenes. He left on his own terms too, refusing to extend his contract.
Tests: P:33 | W:16 | L:6 | D:11
ODIs: P:93 | W:59 | L:29 | T/NR:5
T20Is: P:18 | W:9 | L:9 | NR:0
Duncan Fletcher
April 2011-March 2015
Rating 5/10
His tenure will forever be remembered for the two 0-4 whitewashes in England and Australia. However, India did well in the ODI format during his reign, winning the Champions Trophy in 2013. After yet another flop show in England (August 2014), Fletcher lost much of his influence (and his support staff) as Shastri was appointed Team Director. BCCI didn’t renew his contract after it ended with the 2015 World Cup. (till August 2014)
Tests: P:35 | W:13 | L:15 | D:7
ODIs: P:83 | W:47 | L:29 | T/NR:7
T20Is: P:24 | W:15 | L:9 | T/NR::0
Shastri’s previous stint
August 2014-March 2016
Rating 6/10
After some impressive results with Fletcher still as coach, Shastri took over the reigns after the Zimbabwean’s exit. BCCI’s crisis manager-in-chief helped the team reach the semifinals of two ICC events (World Cups in 2015 and 2016) and India did in T20s under him. The Test triumph against South Africa at home was another highlight, but it was blighted by debate over turning wickets.
(from August 2014)
Tests: P:8 | W:5 | L:1 | D:2
ODIs: P:16 | W:7 | L:9 | T/NR:0
T20Is: P:20 | W:14 | L:6 | T/NR:0
Anil Kumble
March 2016-June 2017
Rating 8/10
A surprise pick, as many expected Shastri to get an extended run, Kumble got just a one-year contract. Known for his grit and determination during his playing days, Kumble guided the team to stellar heights in Test cricket, though they mostly played home. His tenure came to an end under controversial circumstances, amid rumours of rift with Kohli and other senior players.
Tests: P:17 | W:12 | L:1 | D:4
ODIs: P:13 | W:8 | L:5 | T/NR:0
T20Is: P:5 | W:2 | L:2 | T/NR:1