New Zealand cricket team head coach Gary Stead has surprisingly resigned from his position as head coach of the white-ball (ODI and T20) team. This decision comes just one month after losing the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India.
Sports News: The New Zealand cricket team recently enjoyed a resounding victory against Pakistan in a series. However, just days later, the team received a major setback. Head coach Gary Stead has decided to step down from coaching the limited-overs formats. This decision has sent ripples through Kiwi cricket, emerging a month after their Champions Trophy final loss to India.
Gary Stead's Coaching Career and the Big Decision
Gary Stead was appointed New Zealand's head coach in 2018 following Mike Hesson's resignation. Since then, he has shared many memorable moments with the team. His current contract ends in June this year, but he has announced his departure from coaching the white-ball team (ODIs and T20s) beforehand. However, Stead has indicated he may reapply for the head coach position of the Test team.
In a statement, Gary Stead said, "I want to take some time away from the game to consider my future. The past six to seven months have been quite busy, and I will now sit down with my family and close ones to consider my next step." He also mentioned that while he loves coaching, managing all three formats has become extremely challenging.
Kiwi Team's Performance Under Stead's Tenure
Under Gary Stead's tenure, the New Zealand cricket team won their first World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021. Another significant achievement was defeating India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil in 2024. However, New Zealand's fortunes haven't been as favorable in white-ball cricket. They faced defeat in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, the 2021 T20 World Cup final, and recently, the Champions Trophy against India.
Who's Next?
New Zealand Cricket will now have to search for a new coach for the white-ball team. Discussions have already begun regarding potential replacements for Stead, but the board has yet to make any official announcements. The coming weeks will determine whether Gary Stead remains as Test coach or if New Zealand cricket will embark on a new era without him.
