'I’m out of comfort zone' - Gary Stead on Andhra stint

Published - 12 Oct 2025, 14:21 IST | Updated - 12 Oct 2025, 14:21 IST

Gary Stead, who has been appointed as coach by Andhra for the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy, is aiming to deal with the challenge ahead. Stead, the former New Zealand head coach, was recently appointed as the head coach of the Andhra team by the Andhra Cricket Association.

Stead admitted that he is stepping outside his familiar territory. Despite that, he said that he is looking forward to the responsibility and take as many learnings as possible from the stint in India's premier domestic tournament.

“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. I think for me, it’s also a great opportunity to keep learning about my coaching as well,” stated Stead, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Stead has a rich coaching CV. He oversaw New Zealand's run to the title in the 2019-21 World Test Championship cycle as well the finals of 2021 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.

Stead will be joining a multitude of foreign coaches who have earlier worked in Indian domestic cricket. The list includes Michael Bevan, Dav Whatmore, Shaun Williams, Intikhab Alam, Darren Holder, Dermott Reeve and Alvin Kallicharan.

Andhra are in Group A of the Elite division of the Ranji Trophy along with Vidarbha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Baroda, Jharkhand, Odisha and Nagaland. With Ricky Bhui at the helm in addition to some seasoned players, Andhra will be one of the contenders to go through to the knockouts.

Andhra will start their campaign against Uttar Pradesh at Green Park in Kanpur. The match is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, October 15.