Mike Hesson was born in the picturesque town of Dunedin, New Zealand, where rugby is typically the sport of choice. But Hesson’s heart was captivated by cricket from a very young age. As he grew up, he wasn’t just a fan of the game—he studied it like a true student.

He played cricket at the school and club level but realized early on that his strengths lay more in strategy and leadership than on-field performances. This self-awareness helped him take a unique path into cricket coaching—a route that many don’t explore at a young age. His analytical mind and natural calmness were evident even during his school years.

Unlike many coaches who were former star players, Hesson built his legacy from the dugout, not the spotlight. His love for the tactical side of the game eventually led him to pursue coaching roles overseas, giving him a global perspective on the sport.

Field	Details
Full Name	Michael James Hesson
Date of Birth	30 October 1974
Place of Birth	Dunedin, New Zealand
Nationality	New Zealand
Education	Otago Boys’ High School
Coaching Career
– Argentina (2003)	Head Coach
– Kenya (2005)	Head Coach (resigned citing security concerns)
– Otago (2005–2011)	Head Coach
– Head Coach, New Zealand (2012–2018)	guided the team to the 2015 World Cup final
Director of Cricket Operations, Royal	Challengers Bangalore (2019–2023
– Islamabad United (2023–present)	Head Coach; led team to 2024 PSL title
– Pakistan (2025–present)	Head Coach for white-ball formats (ODIs and T20Is)
Notable Achievements
– 2015	Appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cricket
– In 2015,	led New Zealand to the ICC Cricket World Cup final
– 2024	Coached Islamabad United to PSL championship
Other Roles
– 2024	Launched YouTube channel “Coach Hesson” for coaching insights

🏏 Beginning of Coaching Career

Hesson’s coaching journey began in the early 2000s, not in New Zealand but in places like Kenya and Argentina, where cricket was still developing. These early assignments helped him grow as a leader in challenging environments with limited resources. He served as the coach of the Argentina national cricket team and later moved to Kenya, helping shape their team for ICC competitions.

These roles might not have been glamorous, but they gave him critical exposure to cross-cultural team management, working with players from diverse backgrounds. It also taught him adaptability—how to build winning mindsets in tough situations.

By 2005, he had returned to New Zealand, taking up developmental roles and working with Otago, one of New Zealand’s domestic teams. His success at the domestic level earned him a reputation for being a coach who could get the best out of average teams, a quality that would define his coaching legacy.

 Coaching Philosophy and Style

Mike Hesson is known for his meticulous approach to strategy, quiet confidence, and emphasis on team dynamics over individual glory. His coaching style stands in stark contrast to fiery, vocal leaders. Hesson believes in calm, data-backed decision-making. He studies opponents deeply and creates customized game plans for each match. What makes him special is his ability to identify hidden talent and give them roles that suit their personality and skill set.

Hesson focuses heavily on mental preparation, ensuring his players are not only physically fit but emotionally resilient. During his tenure with New Zealand, he promoted an inclusive culture, encouraging feedback from both senior and junior players. He often described himself more as a facilitator than a boss. This people-first approach made him highly respected in the dressing room and allowed him to build cohesive, confident teams even in high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup and the IPL.

🇳🇿 Glory Days with New Zealand Cricket (2012–2018)

Mike Hesson’s most defining role began in 2012 when he was named head coach of the New Zealand national team.
He inherited a side that was inconsistent and low on confidence. Alongside skipper Brendon McCullum, Hesson transformed the Black Caps into one of the most respected and competitive teams in international cricket. The duo created a culture of fearlessness and unity.

Under his leadership, New Zealand reached the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where they played aggressive, smart cricket and captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Hesson was praised for encouraging a no-blame culture—players were allowed to make mistakes, learn, and grow. He also backed emerging talents like Kane Williamson, who would later become captain. By the time he stepped down in 2018, Hesson had revolutionized New Zealand cricket, turning them into a team known for sportsmanship, discipline, and tactical brilliance.

💼 Transition to IPL and Coaching in India

After stepping down from the New Zealand job, Hesson’s coaching journey took an exciting turn towards India—the land of the IPL. He first joined Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) as head coach in 2019. Despite a mixed season, his insights and planning style were recognized by many. Shortly after, he took on the role of Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Collaborating with stars like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell, Hesson brought his calm leadership and strategic insight to the team.
His role involved player selection, auction strategy, and overall team management. Though RCB didn’t win the IPL title during his tenure, they consistently qualified for the playoffs under his guidance. He brought a professionalism and long-term vision that RCB had often lacked in earlier seasons. Hesson’s impact on Indian cricket extended beyond the field—he earned respect for his humility, intelligence, and ability to stay composed under extreme pressure.

 Leadership Beyond Coaching

Mike Hesson isn’t just a coach—he’s a modern cricketing mind who has taken on various roles like commentator, analyst, and mentor. His post-coaching career has included stints as a cricket pundit on sports networks, where he shares insights on player tactics, auction dynamics, and match strategies. Hesson also consults with international boards and T20 franchises.

What makes his leadership unique is that it’s not limited to players; it extends to staff, management, and organizational strategy. He is a strong advocate for mental health in sports, often highlighting the importance of giving players space and time to grow. As a director, he focuses on sustainable performance rather than quick results. Hesson has also been involved in youth development programs in New Zealand, helping create a strong pipeline of talent. His leadership is rooted in ethics, vision, and empathy—qualities that make him a respected figure in every cricketing circle.

🌍 Impact on Global Cricket

Few coaches have had as wide and lasting an impact on world cricket as Mike Hesson. From building teams in underrepresented nations like Argentina, to leading a World Cup finalist team, to shaping IPL franchises, his contribution to the global game is vast. He introduced a data-driven approach in cricket long before it became trendy.

Hesson proved that a coach doesn’t need to have a playing legacy to succeed—what matters is the ability to think, plan, and inspire. His coaching systems have been adopted in cricket academies across countries. Even now, New Zealand’s cricket culture reflects his values of fair play, composure, and continuous learning. Moreover, his Indian Premier League presence has helped bridge cricketing philosophies between East and West. Hesson has shown the world how a thoughtful, analytical, and humble approach can change the fortunes of teams and redefine the role of a coach in the modern game.

 Personal Traits and Legacy

Mike Hesson is often described by peers and players as calm, intelligent, and deeply empathetic. He avoids the limelight, rarely indulges in controversy, and prefers to let his work speak for itself. His leadership style is rooted in humility and active listening, a rare trait in a high-ego environment like international cricket

. Even off the field, Hesson supports social causes, especially those related to mental wellness and sports education. His legacy will not just be about wins and trophies, but about changing the way cricket is coached and led. Players under his mentorship frequently describe him as a father figure, someone who looks after their careers and personal growth. As cricket continues to evolve with technology and changing formats, Hesson remains a beacon of adaptable leadership. His story inspires future coaches to build with patience, believe in their players, and leave the game better than they found it.

🏁 Conclusion: A Legacy of Quiet Excellence

In a world obsessed with loud victories and fiery personalities, Mike Hesson is the proof that quiet, focused excellence still wins. His journey—from coaching obscure international teams to shaping New Zealand’s cricketing identity and making his mark in the IPL—is nothing short of inspirational. As of 2025, Hesson continues to influence the game through commentary, analysis, and behind-the-scenes mentorship. His legacy is not defined by flashy headlines but by the respect he has earned across nations, formats, and generations.

Cricket, at its heart, is a thinking sport, and Mike Hesson is one of its sharpest minds. Whether he’s drawing up a strategy in a dressing room or analyzing a T20 game from the commentary box, he continues to serve the game with integrity, intellect, and grace. For aspiring coaches, Hesson remains the gold standard of leadership without ego, success without noise, and brilliance without bravado.

 FAQs

1.Who is Mike Hesson?

Mike Hesson is a former cricketer and a highly respected coach, best known for his role as the head coach of the New Zealand national cricket team and as the  Head of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

2.What are Mike Hesson’s most significant achievements as a coach?    

Hesson’s most notable achievements include leading New Zealand to the ICC Cricket World Cup final in 2015 and overseeing the team’s rise in international cricket. He also played a key role in shaping the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s strategy during his tenure.

3. In what year did Mike Hesson become the head coach of New Zealand?

Mike Hesson was appointed as the head coach of the New Zealand national cricket team in 2012.

4.What position did Mike Hesson hold with Royal Challengers Bangalore?

Mike Hesson served as the Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2019 to 2023, working closely with top players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell.

5.Has Mike Hesson worked with any other international teams?

While Hesson is most famous for his work with New Zealand and Royal Challengers Bangalore, he has also been involved with other cricketing operations, offering his expertise globally in various coaching and management capacities.