Published 14:06 IST, October 11th 2019
Anil Kumble named Kings XI Punjab Head Coach in IPL next season
Anil Kumble has been named as the head coach of Kings XI Punjab in the next season of the IPL marking his return to coaching after his stint with India
Advertisement
Anil Kumble has been arguably India's best spinner and one of the most successful slow bowlers as well. Kumble, who is the third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 619 wickets has gone on to be a match-winner for Team India on so many occasions. After a successful 18-year cricketing career, Kumble has ventured into commentary, expert analysis, and coaching. Between 2012 to 2015, Anil Kumble was a chief mentor of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Now, he is once again set to don the coach's hat in the next edition of the tournament.
Advertisement
Kumble appointed as KXIP head coach
Anil Kumble has been appointed as the new head coach of Kinga XI Punjab in the next season of the Indian Premier League. The former Indian skipper has been roped in the Punjab franchise at a time when they are struggling to get going in the tournament. Their last good performance had last come in the 2014 edition where they had finished as the runners-up after having lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. Meanwhile, it remains their only final appearance to date. The spin legend will replace Mike Hesson and at the same time, will also be the only Indian head coach in IPL 2020. Kumble, who is nicknamed as 'Jumbo' will begin his first assignment with the former finalists at the IPL auctions which are scheduled for December 19 in Kolkata. Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Kumble will also be taking a call on current Kings XI Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin's future in the side.
Advertisement
Kumble makes his return as Coach
Anil Kumble's appointment as the head coach of Kings XI Punjab will witness him making his return as a coach. He will continue his coaching stint for the first time after he had stepped down as the coach of the Indian cricket team after an alleged rift between skipper Virat Kohli in 2017. Kumble, who was named the head coach of India in 2016 played an integral part in taking the team to the top spot in Test rankings and stepped down from the role after India's loss to arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Kumble has played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first three editions of the IPL (2008-2010). He had also led them to the finals in the 2009 edition where they lost to the now-defunct Deccan Chargers.
Advertisement
Advertisement
13:04 IST, October 11th 2019