“I want to become India’s head coach” – Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his desire to coach the national team in the future, citing the consistent growth of Indian cricket as his biggest motivation.

Pathan, who represented India across all three formats and played a key role in the team’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, shared his coaching ambitions during a conversation with Revsportz.

“Yes, because I want to see growth. Sitting back and watching growth taking place and being involved in it is something that gives me fun,” Pathan said.

The 39-year-old praised former India coach John Wright, under whose tenure he made his debut in 2003.

“I like John Wright’s coaching. He used to work hard and keep everyone tight. I have better technical coaches, but his style was different. It was about managing players and other things from behind. It excited me a lot,” he added.

India has seen a successful run under ex-players turned coaches in recent years.

Rahul Dravid guided the Men in Blue to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, while Gautam Gambhir, the current coach, led India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

“When the time comes in the future, I would like to become a coach. It will happen,” Pathan concluded.

Wright, who took charge of the Indian side in 2000, is widely remembered for instilling discipline and helping India rise as a dominant force.

During his tenure, the team finished as runners-up in both the 2002 Champions Trophy and the 2003 ODI World Cup.