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"Out of my comfort zone": Gary Stead excited about new role as Andhra coach

Shreyasi

Gary Stead for Andhra  [Source: X/@ICC]Gary Stead for Andhra  [Source: X/@ICC]

Gary Stead has remarked that coaching Andhra is out of his comfort zone. After being in New Zealand for years, he is looking forward to the challenges ahead and “keep learning” about his coaching.

Gary Stead about the challenges ahead with Andhra cricket

Gary Stead joined the Andhra cricket after discussions with the ACA president K Sivanth and secretary S Satheesh Babu. Their visions impressed him so much that Stead wanted to contribute to the growth. He became part of an elite group foreign coaches who have contributed to India’s domestic cricket. The likes of Dav Whatmore, Michael Bevan, Intikhab Alam, Darren Holder, Shaun Williams, Dermott Reeve, and Alvin Kallicharan have shared their thoughts to shape the Indian cricket.

Stead’s stunning coaching record includes guiding New Zealand to the 2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup, the 2021 World Test Championship victory, and the 2025 Champions Trophy final. According to him, working in India across different conditions, pitches will add value to his coaching career.

“I was talking to some people that I knew who just told me that the Andhra role was up and that the people here were interested in talking to me. I had a meeting with them and I liked the direction they were trying to take the team and it went from there. I’m really excited to be here and working with the team.”

Speaking to PTI, Stead spoke about being out of his comfort zone as he gears up for the new role. 

“I think I’m out of my comfort zone here after being in New Zealand. I’m trying to put myself out there a little bit and try and, I guess, be uncomfortable with the role, but I’m certainly looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said Stead to PTI.

Stead excited about new role, keen to balance Indian and overseas coaching

While asked about the challenges he might have to face as a domestic team coach after spending eight years as a national coach, Stead refused to differentiate the levels. He explained that the role of the coach is to make the team better and that would be his sole purpose even at the domestic level.

“I don’t sort of look at it (coaching) at whatever level it is. I think the role of the coach is to come in and try and make the team better and try and make individuals better within the team. It will certainly be my focus when I’m here,” said Stead.

Stead’s enthusiasm of working with the new young talent of Andhra cricket is huge. The strong mix of youth and experience in the team excites former New Zealand cricketer. He said,

“I’m still getting to know the players, but there is a lot of talent here. There’s a nice mix and blend of younger players and older players and if they can come together and play well as a team and as a group, then I hope that we put pressure on every team that we play."

Stead plans to balance his new role at Andhra cricket with the part-time high performance coaching role for New Zealand cricket. Since Andhra cricket will need him only for the red-ball season, Stead is confident of managing both.