Back in 2014, George Bailey was the skipper of the KXIP side that made it to the finals of that particular IPL season. Bailey’s Punjab side were exciting and fun to watch, as they thrilled grounds all over India, making them everyone’s second favourite side in the competition.
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It was also KXIP’s first final, making it a huge deal for team owner Preity Zinta. The Bollywood actress has always been there by her team’s side, as her passion on the sidelines is obvious for everyone to see.
The Aussie was a calm presence throughout the season, as KXIP finally found a captain who was able to make the talented side more than the sum of it’s parts.
Unfortunately for KXIP fans, the story did not have a happy ending, as they lost to KKR in a thrilling final, leaving Preity Zinta to only wonder on what could have been.
Surprisingly though, Bailey did not last long as skipper after that season, as within a few years he left the franchise.
Bailey will not feature in this year’s edition of the IPL either, as he reportedly pulled out out of the event putting family first. Bailey’s wife Katie is pregnant with their second child and is due to give birth at the end of April, which is why the Aussie wants to spend time with his family for this period of time.
Bailey was recently give the domestic player honour award, for his outstanding contributions across all three formats – the JLT Sheffield Shield, JLT One-Day Cup and KFC Big Bash League last year.
“I reckon there would have been a time where I would have chosen cricket over family,” he told cricket.com.au. “But now it’s not even a decision, really. I love spending time with my family and I think it’s had a really positive impact on my cricket. I wouldn’t advocate that for 24-year-olds, that’s just where I am and it’s working out really well,” Bailey added.
