Kiwi Coach, Indian Challenge: Gary Stead to Steer Andhra’s Cricketing Ship in 2025–26 Season

In a move that’s sending ripples through the Indian domestic cricket circuit, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has appointed Gary Stead, the former head coach of New Zealand and winner of the World Test Championship (WTC), as the head coach of its senior men’s team for the 2025–26 season.

 

This landmark decision marks a new chapter for Andhra cricket, which has struggled to find consistency in recent years. With Stead’s appointment, ACA signals its intent to elevate the team’s performance, culture, and competitiveness to national prominence.

 

From Black Caps to Blue Shirts: Stead’s Coaching Legacy

Gary Stead, 53, is widely regarded as New Zealand’s most successful cricket coach. His tenure with the Black Caps from 2018 to June 2025 saw the team reach unprecedented heights:

Before his international success, Stead led Canterbury to three Plunket Shield titles between 2013 and 2017, showcasing his ability to build winning teams from the ground up.

 

As a player, Stead represented New Zealand in five Tests, scoring 278 runs at an average of 34.75. His domestic career includes over 100 first-class and List A matches, amassing nearly 7,000 runs.

 

Changing of the Guard

Stead replaces Tinu Yohannan, who stepped down earlier this year to join the MRF Pace Foundation. Under Yohannan, Andhra showed flashes of promise but failed to convert potential into consistent results:

With Stead at the helm, ACA hopes to reverse this trajectory and build a team that can challenge for titles.

 

Voices from the Top

ACA President Kesineni Sivnath called Stead’s appointment a “culture-defining moment” for Andhra cricket. “Gary Stead is not just a coach—he’s a culture-builder. His arrival signals our intent to raise the bar in talent development, tactical preparation, and operational discipline,” Sivnath said in an official statement.

 

Stead, in his first remarks since the announcement, expressed enthusiasm for the challenge:

 

“I’m honoured to join the Andhra Cricket Association as the Head Coach of the Senior Men’s team for the 2025–26 season. The passion for cricket here is palpable, and ACA’s commitment to legacy and development resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working closely with the players, support staff, and leadership to build a team that competes with heart and purpose.”

 

What’s Next for Andhra

Stead is expected to arrive in Visakhapatnam later this month, with his tenure officially beginning between September 20 and 25. His first major assignment will be Andhra’s Ranji Trophy opener against Uttar Pradesh on October 15.

 

ACA officials revealed that Stead came into initial meetings with a detailed understanding of Andhra’s player pool, impressing the selection committee with his preparedness and long-term vision.

 

Foreign Coaches in Indian Domestic Cricket

Stead joins a select group of international coaches who have taken up domestic roles in India:

His appointment is widely seen as a game-changer, not just for Andhra but for the broader landscape of Indian domestic cricket.

 

Final Thoughts

With Gary Stead’s arrival, Andhra cricket is poised for a transformation. His track record of building resilient, tactically sharp teams could be exactly what Andhra needs to rise from mid-table obscurity to serious contenders. As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Stead’s international pedigree translates to domestic success.

 

Sources: MSN, ESPNcricinfo, Hindustan Times, India Today