IPL 2020: Anil Kumble reveals two major reasons for selecting KL Rahul to lead KXIP

Former India cricket captain Anil Kumble, who had been recently roped in as new head coach of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), has backed his decision to appoint KL Rahul as captain of team for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season by saying that  opener had been best batsman of franchise over last two years. In last two editions, Ravichandran Ashwin had captained team but KXIP had him traded to Delhi Capitals.

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KL Rahul has been best performer for KXIP: Anil Kumble

India opener KL Rahul amassed 1182 runs in previous two editions of IPL with 1 century and 12 half-centuries at an impeccable aver of 54.91 and 53.90 in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Anil Kumble, while speaking to a leading media network, said that KL Rahul had been best performer for m in past two editions and added that it was appropriate time for right-hander to step up and take charge of side on field as well. He went on to say that it was important to build franchise around an Indian international player and that was one of reasons y picked Rahul.

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KXIP went into auction with fattest purse and 9 slots to be filled that included 5 Indian and 4 overseas players. y spent ₹16.5 crore on 8 players, with ir costliest buy being Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, whom y purchased for a whopping ₹10.75 crore. Besides Maxwell, KXIP also picked up valuable buys in England all-rounder Chris Jordan and bowler Ravi Bishi, who combined for a price tag of ₹5 crore. West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell also bagged his maiden IPL contract for ₹8.5 crore.

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Anil Kumble replaces Mike Hesson as head coach for upcoming season as Kiwi switched his base from KXIP to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This is Kumble's first stint as head coach of a team in IPL. He had earlier served as a chief mentor for RCB and four-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Supporting Anil Kumble in coaching staff is former KXIP captain George Bailey, while former left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi will serve as  assistant coach.

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