Coaching an international cricket team needs special skillsets. Almost every assignment has to be looked at from a long-term point of view but results also have to be delivered in the present. Apart from the on-field matters, a coach should also ensure that a team bonding is formed of players from different backgrounds. Hence, usually, a native coach is preferred. However, there are cases that are opposite, too. In this article, we look at five nations that have head coach belonging to a different country.
Previously, though, having a head coach from a different nation was a common scenario. In fact, Team India benefited under the likes of John Wright and Gary Kirsten in the past. A few other nations are following a similar strategy currently.
1) Zimbabwe – Lalchand Rajput (India)
Manager of Team India at the 2007 T20 World Cup, Lalchand Rajput has plenty of coaching experience behind him. Hence, he was hired by Zimbabwe to improve the cricketing situation in the country. However, so far, Rajput is yet to deliver substantial performance. The non-cricketing issues are also playing a part in the process. Nevertheless, under him, a few young players have come to the fore. The hope is that the upcoming years will be more productive for the nation.
2) Bangladesh – Russell Domingo (South Africa)
Former South African cricketer Russell Domingo is at the helm of the affairs in Bangladesh. Having been part of the South African setup in the past, Russell has good coaching experience. He is especially popular for motivating his players and getting the best out of them. Bangladesh needs consistency, and a good show in the upcoming World T20 is necessary for them to make an entry into the top bracket. Hence, Bangladesh is also one of the nations that have head coach belonging to a different country.
3) Sri Lanka – Mickey Arthur (South Africa)
South African born Mickey Arthur has a good coaching resume with successful stints in Pakistan and other countries. Hence, he was brought in to arrest the slide in Sri Lankan Cricket. However, so far, Mickey is yet to find a way forward in the island nation. The issues with the board regarding contracts are also hampering the progress. The upcoming World T20 will prove to be a deciding tournament for him.
4) Afghanistan – Lance Klusener (South Africa)
Lance Klusener, the former South African all-rounder, is currently the Head Coach of Afghanistan. The Afghans have made giant strides in world cricket in recent years. They have players like Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, all of whom are exceptional T20 cricketers. The academies at the junior levels are also churning out talented cricketers frequently. Klusener will want to do well at the upcoming World T20.
5) Netherlands – Ryan Campbell (Australia)
Ryan Campbell is the Head Coach of the Netherlands Cricket Team. Under him, the team has won a few important games, thereby setting a good momentum ahead of the crucial tournaments. The Dutch team were actually decent a few years ago. However, there was a slump and recently, the squad has started doing well again.
6) United States of America – J Arun Kumar (India)
The USA is one of the nations that have head coach belonging to a different country. J Arun Kumar is a former Karnataka batsman, who currently is the Head Coach of the USA cricket team. USA is trying to improve cricket in the nation, and it recently earned ODI status. The Major League Cricket is also a positive step towards forming a strong cricket squad. The country has also attracted many Indians and cricketers from other nations to represent them. At least for the start, this will be helpful for J Arun Kumar and co.
