Kings XI Punjab appoint Anil Kumble as Director of Cricket Operations

KXIP’s journey in IPL has not been short of a roller coaster ride. With the signing of explosive players like Glenn Maxwell and David Miller, they came close to winning the title in 2014. But their journey has always been a “so near yet so far” one. The need for a calm head that would recruit the right players and would provide a steady direction to the franchise was realised and Anil Kumble was immediately approached.

“Kumble is our choice to coach Kings XI. The world knows about his cricketing and coaching abilities. He’s a very calm, cool and collected person. 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,” Kings XI co-owner Ness Wadia told TOI on Thursday.

George Bailey had captained KXIP to the IPL final in 2014. He is rewarded by being appointed as a batting coach in Kumble’s coaching staff, with former spinner Sunil Joshi hired as an assistant coach. According to TOI reports, Jonty Rhodes could join the Mohali based outfit as a fielding coach after having previously worked with Mumbai Indians. Windies Legend Courtney Walsh is being tipped to join KXIP as a bowling coach.

In the end, Ness Wadia signed off by discarding the rumours of Ashwin being traded to Delhi Capitals. 

“He (Ashwin) is an integral part of the team. We value Ashwin tremendously.” he said.