Cricket has evolved dramatically over the years, especially with the rise of T20 leagues around the world. These leagues have created opportunities for cricketers to not only play at the highest level but also step into coaching roles simultaneously. This unique blend of playing and coaching is becoming increasingly common among some of the world’s top cricketers. Below, we explore a few cricketers who have seamlessly transitioned into coaching while still actively participating in various leagues.
Kieron Pollard: From Star Player to Batting Coach
Kieron Pollard, one of the most iconic T20 players, retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022. Despite hanging up his boots from IPL, the explosive West Indian all-rounder has remained heavily involved with Mumbai Indians (MI), where he has been appointed as the batting coach. Pollard has been synonymous with MI throughout his IPL career, contributing to their multiple title wins.
Although Pollard’s IPL career has concluded, he continues to feature in other top leagues. He currently plays for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and represents MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC). His ability to balance coaching responsibilities while still being an active player makes him a perfect example of modern-day cricketers reshaping the traditional paths in the sport.
Tim Southee: A Veteran Bowler’s Dual Role as a Player and Consultant
Tim Southee, the former New Zealand captain, made a significant shift in his cricketing journey after retiring from Test cricket in November 2024. While he has bid farewell to the longest format, Southee continues to play in T20 leagues around the globe. His career as a fast bowler is far from over, with Southee currently plying his trade for the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Southee has maintained his competitive edge, picking up three wickets in six matches so far.
Apart from his playing role, Tim Southee has also embraced the coaching side of the game. He recently worked as a fast bowling consultant for England during their Test series against India, offering invaluable insights from his wealth of experience. This dual role of being both a player and a coach showcases how cricketers are adapting to the changing demands of modern-day cricket.
Matthew Wade: The T20 World Cup Winner Who Juggles Coaching and Playing
Matthew Wade, a key figure in Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning team, has found a unique way to stay involved in the game by combining playing and coaching responsibilities. After stepping away from international cricket, Wade was appointed as the assistant coach of Gujarat Titans (GT) for the IPL 2024 season. However, just before taking on his new coaching role, Wade played in the International League T20 (ILT20) for Sharjah Warriors, showcasing his continued passion for the game.
At 37 years old, Wade has not officially announced his retirement from professional cricket, and it seems likely that he will continue to play T20 cricket around the world for the foreseeable future. His ability to contribute as both a player and a coach proves that modern cricketers are increasingly multi-dimensional in their roles, further pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
