Top 7 cricketers who were coached by their fathers to become greats

Cricketers undergo intense practice sessions and physical training to perform at the highest level. Along with professional coaches and trainers who guide them through various conditions and body mechanics, some players are fortunate to have had that support right from home. Several cricketers have been mentored by their fathers, many of whom were former players at the highest level, but their sons became even better flag bearers of their family’s sporting legacy. Here, let us have a look at seven father-son duos where the father helped train and nurture cricketing talent.

Top 7 cricketers who were coached by their fathers to become greats

7. Chris Broad—Stuart Broad

Former English batter Chris Broad has been a significant influence on the career of his son, Stuart Broad. While Chris made his mark as a top-order batter, it was his guidance that helped Stuart thrive as one of England’s premier fast bowlers. The right-arm bowler evolved into a world-class pacer, renowned for his ability to swing the ball and deliver match-winning spells, particularly in Test cricket.

His consistency and composure under pressure are traits built through his father’s mentorship. He is also only the second fast bowler behind his long-time bowling mate James Anderson to cross the 600-wicket mark in the red-ball internationals. Stuart’s legacy in the longest format of the game is a proud continuation of the Broad family’s cricketing career. After retiring, Chris also handled duties as an ICC Match Referee for several years.

6. Roger Binny—Stuart Binny

Former Indian all-rounder and 1983 World Cup winner Roger Binny played a key role in mentoring his son Stuart Binny. Roger provided Stuart with valuable insights into the game, helping him develop both as a bowler and a lower-order hitter.

Stuart made a name for himself in the Indian domestic circuit and the IPL before earning his international debut. He is known for his ability to swing the ball and score quick runs, and his skills were honed under his father’s guidance. Son Stuart currently plays in a lot of retirement leagues around the world, while his father Roger is the standing BCCI president.

5. Naushad Khan—Sarfaraz Khan & Musheer Khan

Naushad Ahmed Khan has played a crucial role in nurturing the cricketing talents of his sons, Sarfaraz and Musheer. A passionate coach, Naushad dedicated himself to developing their skills from a young age. His elder son, Sarfaraz, has already made a mark on the big stage and has been part of India’s Test squad.

Musheer, meanwhile, has represented Mumbai in domestic cricket and made his IPL debut with Punjab Kings. The progress of both brothers is a testament to Naushad’s relentless guidance during their formative years. Musheer also impressed on the big stage with this daddy hundred in the opening round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

4. Peter Pollock—Shaun Pollock

Former South African fast bowler Peter Pollock played a foundational role in shaping the career of his son, Shaun Pollock. Shaun was coached and mentored by father Peter from a young age, and grew into one of South Africa’s greatest all-rounders.

Peter’s experience as a pacer helped Shaun, who went on to excel as a bowler and a reliable lower-middle-order batter. Shaun also captained the Proteas and his skill set and approach to the game were deeply influenced by his father’s early guidance. While both have now retired, the son finds time to coach and mentor teams around the world to spread the knowledge he gained from his dad.

3. Sachin Tendulkar—Arjun Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer in history and has played a pivotal role in mentoring his son, Arjun Tendulkar. Unlike the batter that his father was, Arjun chose to become a left-arm fast bowler with an ability to contribute equally with the bat as well and has been groomed under Sachin from a young age.

Sachin has guided Arjun with focus on discipline and fitness through the ranks of domestic cricket. Arjun had limited opportunities in the IPL with the Mumbai Indians, but he continues to carry forward the Tendulkar legacy. Sachin’s mentorship remains a cornerstone of Arjun’s evolving cricketing journey. Arjun is still young, and will hope to pave his way to play for the Indian team and achieve greatness like his father did.

2. Geoff Marsh—Mitchell Marsh & Shaun Marsh

Former Australian opener Geoff Marsh has had a significant influence on the careers of his sons, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh, both of whom went on to represent Australia across all three formats. Shaun became a top-order batter and scored consistently for Australia, and retired as one of the key figures in the dominant Australian team that asserted dominance over the years.

On the other hand, his younger brother Mitchell, an explosive all-rounder, showcased his abilities with both bat and ball, playing key roles in several major tournaments. Mitchell has also led the Aussies in T20s, and has the ability to switch to different roles as per the changing dynamics of the game. Geoff’s experience and mentorship played a crucial role in guiding them through the challenges of international cricket.

1. Yograj Singh—Yuvraj Singh

Former Indian pacer Yograj Singh played a pivotal role in shaping the cricketing career of his son, Yuvraj Singh. Yograj’s dedication and unconventional coaching methods laid the foundation for Yuvraj’s success.

Despite limited experience at the international level, having played only a handful of First-Class matches, Yograj’s relentless training helped mould Yuvraj into one of India’s finest all-rounders. The left-handed all-rounder’s exceptional contributions with the bat, ball, and in the field were instrumental in India’s historic 2011 ODI World Cup triumph as well as the one in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, where Yuvi showcased his big-hitting prowess in the modern era.