5 successful coaches who didn't play a single international match 

#2 Mike Hesson

Mike Hesson

Before turning into a professional coach, New Zealand's Mike Hesson had literally no first-class experience. After a stint with the Kenyan team, Hesson was given charge of the New Zealand side. Hesson backed Brendon McCullum to be New Zealand's skipper which created a rift between him and the then-captain Ross Taylor.

However, the move paid off as New Zealand started winning matches under Brendon McCullum with their new-found way of playing an aggressive brand of cricket. New Zealand did exceedingly well in the 2015 World Cup too where they made it to their maiden World Cup finals. Post the World Cup, Hesson continued as the coach before resigning in 2018, just a year ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Hesson is New Zealand's longest serving coach. The 44-year-old coached Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2019 and was also in the running for the post of head coach of the Indian national side.