Gary Stead has rejoined theNew Zealandcricket team as the former Kiwi player is now inducted into the set-up as high-performance coach. Stead served the Black Caps as their coach from 2018 to 2025 and during this period, New Zealand played quality cricket. Under his stint, New Zealand won the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021 mace after beating Team India in the final played in Southampton. It was New Zealand’s second title success in ICC tournaments. In June 2025, Stead stepped down from the role. Before becoming head coach, Stead was associated with the Kiwi team as a coach development manager from 2004 to 2009 and assistant coach at the NZ Cricket (NZC) Academy in 2005-06.
As high-performance coach, Gary Stead’s job will be to pick up talented
players and help in their evolution. On his return, Stead said that he is passionate about coaching and is also happy to impart his experience and prowess to New Zealand players. "New Zealand cricket's very much been at my heart for the past 30 odd years, and to be able to keep contributing to the game I love is really special. I'm still passionate about coaching and trying to help people learn and improve. If I can pass on some of my skills and experiences to the wider cricket network and in turn help the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS win on the world stage - than that would be really satisfying,” said Stead.
Gary Stead will also serve Andhra cricket team as head coach
Stead’s role in the New Zealand cricket team is part-time which means he can serve Andhra in domestic cricket. This month, the New Zealander also stitched a contract with Andhra cricket and as per the agreement, he will deliver his services to the team as their head coach. Andhra will look to be an effective 2025/26 season under Stead’s leadership.
In the previous season, Andhra looked ordinary as their best performance came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the T20 tournament, their journey concluded in the quarter-final. In the distinguished Ranji Trophy, they could win only one match after playing seven matches.
