For the Indian Prmeier League (IPL) 2020, Kings XI Punjab have roped in legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble as the head coach of the franchise.
Anil Kumble appointed Kings XI Punjab head coach
We all remember Anil Kumble as he was the India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests as well as the Head Coach of Indian cricket. Now he has been appointed as coach after the franchise’s board meeting that was held on Thursday.
As a result, Kumble has now become the only Indian head coach in IPL 2020. Kumble’s 1st assignment as head coach of KXIP is going to be at IPL auction, which has been scheduled for December 19 in Kolkata.
Kumble had a much-publicised split with Captain Virat Kohli. Kumble as well as Kohli reportedly were not even in talking terms for the duration of the Champions Trophy 2017 as well as the legendary leg-spinner did not go with the Indian team to the West Indies tour that charted the 50-over tournament held in the UK. After he quitted as Team India’s Captain, Ravi Shastri succeeded Anil Kumble as the head coach of Indian cricket team in the year 2017.
Now, Kumble’s appointment as the head coach comes at a time when Kings XI are struggling in order to make an impact in IPL in spite of the presence of big names in the side.
IPL auction 2020 In Kolkata
Earlier, Anil Kumble had been the chief mentor of Mumbai Indians. He was then later appointed in the role in the year 2013, the very first season for Mumbai Indians to win their first ever IPL title in that year.
Kumble had left a similar role at Royal Challengers Bangalore in order to join the 4-time champions in that year. Remarkably, this is going to be Kumble’s return to coaching stint after he quit as India head coach in the year 2017.
As per to The Times of India, Kumble is also going to take a call on R Ashwin’s future at Kings XI Punjab. Previously, it was reported that KXIP along with Delhi Capitals were in talks over trading Ashwin to the Delhi-based franchise.
Indian Prmeier League 2020
Ness Wadia was also quoted as saying by the newspaper, “He comes with a lot of experience in the IPL, having worked with two other franchises in the past, and also with the Indian team. We’re pretty sure that under his leadership, Kings XI will do very well,”
However, KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia has also said that R Ashwin is still an essential part of Kings XI Punjab. In the year 2018, Ashwin was appointed as captain of the Punjab-based franchise. In the year 2018 and 2019, KXIP finished 7th and 6th, respectively, under Ashwin supervision.
