Kolkata Knight Riders appoint Balaji as bowling coach
Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Lakshmipathy Balaji as their bowling coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The 35-year-old will replace former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram, who will miss the 2017 edition owing to professional commitments and time constraints.
“It’s great to welcome Balaji back to the KKR family. He was an integral part of KKR from 2011-13 and played a key role in helping KKR win the championship in 2012,” KKR CEO & MD Venky Mysore told the Indian Express.
Balaji retired from first-class cricket in September last year, but remained associated with the Tamil Nadu team as their bowling coach. The lanky former India seamer has had a long association with the IPL, in which he began with Chennai Super Kings before appearing in 35 matches for KKR between 2011 and 2013. His final IPL season as a player was with Kings XI Punjab in 2014.
Balaji, who played eight Tests, 30 ODIs and five T20I between 2002 and 2012, will work alongside the likes of South African great Jacques Kallis on KKR’s coaching staff as the franchise look to reclaim the title.
“I had thoroughly enjoyed my stint as a player for KKR and I am delighted to be back to the franchise that I have admired,” Balaji was quoted as saying.
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