Coaching an IPL Team is now almost equivalent to coaching an international side. Of course, there are some who consider the national team as a bigger assignment. We have had examples of coaches going from an international team to an IPL franchise and the other way around. On that note, here, we take a look at the list of three current International coaches of top cricketing nations who were once IPL Head Coaches.
1) Gary Kirsten
The former South African opener is currently the Head Coach of Pakistan. He was appointed just before the 2024 T20 World Cup. The campaign did not end well for Pakistan. So, it is not sure if Gary would retain his position.
Nevertheless, in the past, he has coached nations such as India and South Africa. In the IPL, he has held the job for teams such as RCB and DC. In fact, currently, he is the batting coach and mentor of Gujarat Titans.
2) Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum is one of the current International coaches of top cricketing nations who were once IPL Head Coaches. One of his first assignments as a Head Coach happened in IPL. He took over the reins at KKR and helped the team do well in a few seasons.
However, later, Bazz became the Head Coach of the England Test Team. He has been doing well for them in this role. His target would be to win the WTC at the earliest.
3) Andrew McDonald
The former Aussie all-rounder held multiple secondary coaching roles in the IPL before getting the top gig for Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2020. However, Andrew was not at this role for a very long time.
After Justin Langer, he became the Head Coach of Australia. It has been a successful stint, so far, with the team winning the WTC and the 2023 ODI World Cup.