Gary Stead, who won WTC with New Zealand, joins Andhra as head coach

In a surprising development, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has appointed former New Zealand men’s head coach Gary Stead for the upcoming 2025–26 domestic season. According to a report, the 53-year-old has signed a one-year contract, with the option of an additional year likely.

Stead is expected to arrive in Visakhapatnam within a week, where he will assess the team’s probables and work closely with the state selection committee on squad formation. The report further stated that Stead’s work visa for India has already been approved, and he is likely to formally take charge between September 20 and 25. Additionally, he requested a short visit home during Christmas, a condition that the ACA happily accommodated.

“We were initially looking at an Australian coach. Then a friend suggested, why not try Gary? So we reached out to him, and right from the very first conversation, we were struck by his preparedness. He came to the meeting with a complete understanding of our team," Cricbuzz quoted ACA secretary Sana Sathish Babu as saying.

Stead has been at the heart of New Zealand’s success over the last decade, guiding them to some of their biggest achievements on the world stage. Under his leadership, the BlackCaps clinched the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021 with a memorable victory over India in the final. He was also at the helm when New Zealand inflicted a historic 3-0 Test series whitewash on India last year, the hosts’ first-ever home clean sweep in a series of three or more matches.

Stead introduced specialized spin camps in the country during his stint with the international side, where players trained on dry, turning surfaces and studied videos to prepare for likeable conditions, especially when playing in the subcontinent. His meticulous planning played a key role in making the BlackCaps one of the most adaptable sides in world cricket.

Stead also oversaw New Zealand’s dramatic 2019 World Cup campaign, where they beat India in the semi-final before tying the final with England at Lord’s. The trophy eventually went to England on boundary count, but Stead’s leadership drew widespread praise. After stepping down in June 2024, he was succeeded by Rob Walter as New Zealand’s head coach.

For Andhra, the appointment of a coach with such pedigree offers renewed hope. After finishing sixth in Ranji Trophy Elite Group B and fourth in their Vijay Hazare Trophy group last season, the team will be banking on Stead’s world-class experience to spark a turnaround in fortunes.