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5 players who played T20I cricket for their country and then became their T20I Head Coach

T20 cricket is a recent format. Usually, international teams go for experience when appointing their Head Coach. However, interestingly, a few players who played T20I cricket have also become the Head Coach of the side. We have quite a few examples in this regard. On that note, here, we take a look at five players who played T20 cricket for their country and then became their T20I Head Coach.

1) Rahul Dravid – India

It was in the final years of his career that the T20 format came into the picture. Initially, BCCI kept aside the seniors for this format. However, with him about to retire, Rahul got to play one game for the country.

Currently, he is the Head Coach of the side. He helped India reach the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Depending on how India does in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rahul could get a crack at the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA.

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2) Daren Sammy – West Indies

The former West Indian skipper is the latest to join this list. He has recently been appointed as the Head Coach of the West Indies white-ball squads. The former all-rounder will have a lot on his plate because West Indies has not been in great form in recent times.

As a skipper, Sammy enjoys two wins at the T20 World Cup. While he had an excellent squad at his disposal, he also made the right use of it with his captaincy skills.

3) Paul Collingwood – England

Paul Collingwood is one of the players who played T20 cricket for their country and then became their T20I Head Coach. Here is yet another T20 World Cup-winning captain who went on to coach the side. However, Paul Collingwood did not get a long stint at the helm of the England Team.

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While he served as the assistant coach, it was only when the board was conducting the interview process, that Paul was the Head Coach of the side. It needs to be seen if he would get an opportunity in the future.

4) Misbah-ul-Haq – Pakistan

Misbah-ul-Haq had a late start to his career but he left a big impression on Pakistan cricket. As a skipper and a batter, he had vital contributions which pulled Pakistan through its transition era.

After his stint as a cricketer, Misbah also operated as the Head Coach of the side. Like it has been for a while now, this role in Pakistan cricket is always marred with controversies. Misbah, though, deserved a longer stint.

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5) Mark Boucher – South Africa

Mark Boucher is also one of the players who played T20 cricket for their country and then became their T20I Head Coach. Just like Rahul Dravid, Boucher also played a few T20I games in the final few months of his career.

South Africa needed someone to kickstart their transition period after the slump in form. With Graeme Smith becoming the boss, Boucher was made the Head Coach. He helped the side develop a strong squad. However, after the 2022 T20 WC, he left the job to take up the Head Coach role at Mumbai Indians.

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Nesara V Jagannatha

Books, Movies & Sports! A cricket aficionado...

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