IPL 2020 | Rajasthan Royals name Andrew McDonald as head coach for upcoming season
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Rajasthan Royals have roped in Andrew McDonald as the head coach for the coming season as the Aussie will replace Paddy Upton in the role. Although McDonald had played only four Tests for Australia he has an impressive record as a coach, helping Victoria clinch Sheffield Shield in 2016-17 season.
"I'm delighted to join the Royals family. It's a great honour to take on this responsibility. The Rajasthan Royals is a new, exciting challenge for me, and I can't wait to get started working with our world-class players and coaches in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world," McDonald said following his appointment, reported Cricbuzz.
However, this will not be the first time for the former Australian cricketer to experience the frenzy of the IPL, as he had previously played for Delhi Daredevils (2009 and 2011) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012 and 2013). He was also the bowling coach of the Bangalore-based side in the past.Â
Outside of the IPL, the Aussie brings in a lot of coaching credentials too as he had helped Victoria win the Sheffield Shield in his first year as coach. He has also powered Melbourne Renegades, who finished seventh in the 2017-18 season, to a Big Bash title this year and that seems to have done the trick for McDonald to replace Upton in the Royals' line-up.
"We are delighted to appoint Andrew as our Head Coach. He shares our belief of discovering potential and championing dreams and is aligned with our vision to continue to drive innovation in the IPL. Andrew will be preparing for the season by sharing experiences and best practices with exceptional coaches in other sports and will be visiting India in the near future to meet the Royals team, both on and off the field," Ranjit Barthakur, the executive chairman of the Rajasthan Royals said.
"Andrew's innovative, forward-thinking nature, along with his experience in the IPL and success in other leagues is why we have selected him as Head Coach to help us drive long term success. He is data-focused and an impressive man manager who remains well versed with the rigours of modern-day cricket," head of cricket Zubin Bharucha, who was part of the panel that picked a coach, said.
