Kings XI Punjab shortlist four coaches: It is reported that KXIP have shortlisted as many as four coaches for the next seasons.
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Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab are among the three teams who are yet to win a title despite having played in the IPL since its inaugural season. While Punjab have tried several captain-coach combinations over the years, the poor execution of their plans seems to be a massive concern for them.
Most recently, Punjab had appointed former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson as their head coach. Having won six out of 14 matches, KXIP ended the season at the sixth position in the points table.
With Hesson now taking up the position of Director of Cricket Operations at Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kings XI are once again on the lookout of a coach. If a report in Mumbai Mirror is to be believed, Punjab have shortlisted as many as four names who could take up the position of their head coach for IPL 2020.
Kings XI Punjab shortlist four coaches
Andy Flower (Zimbabwe)
Having commenced his coaching career with the position of England’s assistant coach in 2007, former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower went on to become one of England’s most successful coaches ever. While Flower possesses a lot of experience in the field, it will be interesting to see his approach in the T20 format, if selected.
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Darren Lehmann (Australia)
Former Australia batsman Darren Lehmann is among the rare crop of players who have both played and coached in the Indian Premier League. Lehmann was part of the Rajasthan Royals squad which won the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008.
A primary reason why KXIP would be looking up to Lehmann is how Deccan Chargers improved under him in IPL 2009. From winning a couple of matches in IPL 2008 to lifting the trophy under Lehmann’s coaching in 2009 saw them improving a lot.
Apart from coaching Kings XI in IPL 2013, Lehmann has also coached Australia’s team in the last decade. With Australia winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 under him, Punjab have a lot of gain from this World Cup-winning coach.
#Throwback to this 🔥 innings from Nicky praa where he went berserk, scoring a 28-ball 4⃣6⃣ including 5⃣ huge sixes. 🤩
Can you tell us who the opponents were?#SaddaPunjab #ThrowbackThursday @nicholas_47 pic.twitter.com/qs9qI9SBB6
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) September 26, 2019
Michael Hussey (Australia)
A known face in the IPL, former Australia batsman Michael Hussey has represented Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. In 59 IPL matches, Hussey had scored 1,977 runs at an average of 38.76 and a strike rate of 122.64 including a century and 15 half-centuries.
Having played a total of 161 T20 matches, Hussey has what it takes to become a stellar guiding force in this format. While he hasn’t worked as the head coach in the past, he worked as a batting consultant with the Australian team during the ICC World Twenty20 2016 and is currently working as Super Kings’ batting coach.
George Bailey (Australia)
Still actively playing the sport, former Australia captain George Bailey is yet to take up coaching role at any level. Bailey, who last played for Australia in ODIs in December 2016, has led Kings XI Punjab in the past.
In two seasons for Kings XI in 2014 and 2015, Bailey had merely scored over 500 runs including a couple of half-centuries. There is no hiding to the fact that hiring Bailey as their head coach has it in it to be an intriguing decision for Punjab.
