Five Cricketers Who Went To Coach An IPL Franchise They Once Represented As A Player

The Indian Premier League [IPL] is the biggest T20 competition in the world; one that pips the best talents around the world with and against each other in a highly competitive environment.

Almost every great cricketer has featured for one of the eight franchises in the past 13 years of the league’s existence. Not only that, some of those legendary cricketers, who once captained their franchise have later gone to don the coach hat following their retirement.

Here’s a look at five cricketers who went to coach an IPL franchise they once played for:

James Hopes- DC

James Hopes, the former Australian all-rounder, played for three IPL teams during his career.

Hopes represented Delhi Capitals in the 2011 season besides leading them in 3 matches.

Then in 2018, Hopes was appointed as the head bowling coach of the Capitals in the support-staff led by Ricky Ponting. He was, however, replaced by compatriot Ryan Harris ahead of the ongoing season.

Brendon McCullum- KKR

Brendon McCullum represented a number of franchises during his IPL career. But his association with Kolkata Knight Riders will always be a part of folklore thanks largely to his whirlwind 158 in the opening game of the inaugural season.

McCullum represented KKR between 2008-10 and then again between 2012-2013.

The former Kiwi captain was appointed as head coach ahead of the 2020 IPL season. But his maiden stint as head coach ended on a sour note as KKR failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Daniel Vettori- RCB

Daniel Vettori led RCB to the 2011 IPL finals but lack of form in the succeeding edition and with Virat Kohli waiting in the wings, Vettori decided to step down and announce retirement.

Later, the former New Zealand captain was appointed as the head coach of the Virat Kohli-led franchise.

But following a disastrous 2018 IPL campaign that saw RCB finish at the 6th spot, Vettori and the entire support staff was sacked.

Ricky Ponting-MI

Ricky Ponting was at the twilight of his celebrated career when he was appointed as captain of the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2013 edition of the IPL.

But his prime clearly past him, Ponting had a woeful time as he managed a mere 52 runs in six innings. Ponting relinquished the captaincy to pave way for Rohit Sharma and retired immediately.

Ponting was retained as an advisor to the team in 2014 before being appointed as the head coach ahead of the 2015 edition. Under his coaching, Ponting led MI to their second IPL title in 2015. He coached Mumbai Indians till 2016 before being replaced by the current coach, Mahela Jayawardene. Ponting is currently the head coach of the Delhi Capitals.

Stephen Fleming- CSK

The most successful coach in the history of the IPL, Stephen Fleming had already retired from international cricket by the time the Indian Premier League rolled around.

Fleming featured for the Chennai Super Kings in 10 games across the first two seasons before he decided to hang up his boots and don the role of a head coach.

The rest, as they say, is history, as Fleming went on to forge a successful relationship with skipper MS Dhoni to make CSK one of the most consistent franchises in IPL history.

Also Read- Top 5 Uncapped Indian Players With Most Runs In IPL 2020