Kings XI Punjab’s hunt for maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title continues as they gear up for another busy pre-tournament period. The KXIP franchise would be expected to make some significant moves in the auction as well.
As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta co-owned KXIP is looking at former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble for head coach’s job.
Besides Team India, Kumble was previously part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) team as coach/mentor. Kumble, though, is not the only one in the fray.
As reported earlier, Andy Flower and Darren Lehmann are in the shortlist. George Bailey, who was formerly the KXIP skipper, has been offered the batting coach job. Mike Hussey, who was also approached for the head coach job, won’t join the Punjab side.
And now with Kumble in radar, the franchise has deferred their decision to trade Ravichandran Ashwin with Delhi Capitals. The team owners have felt that the new coach should decide on his players and the decision will be left to him.
Changes have been pretty consistent at KXIP, with franchise developing a stature as one of the busiest outfits in the auctions every year. It could be the same case this time as well.
KXIP have entered the playoffs of the IPL only twice in history – a semi-final finish in the inaugural season in 2008 and a runners-up finish in 2014. The previous edition of the cash-rich league saw them secure a sixth-place finish despite being one of the most consistent sides in the first half.
