IPL 2019: Mike Hesson to Replace Brad Hodge as Kings XI Punjab Coach - Reports

Mike Hesson is all set to replace Brad Hodge as the coach of Kings XI Punjab, as reported by Mumbai Mirror. Hesson had earlier gave his insights to New Zealand cricket. In fact, the Kiwis had done well under the tenure of Mike Hesson. Furthermore, the Kings XI Punjab has traded their all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for Mandeep Singh with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab has done well in the first half of IPL 2018. Punjab went on to five matches in their first seven matches. However, they could manage a solitary win in the remaining seven matches. Thus, they failed to make their way to the Playoffs stages. Punjab was led by their new skipper Ravichandran Ashwin.

Mike Hesson is a good choice.

On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab is yet to savor success in the folklore of Indian Premier League. Consequently, the change in the coaching role was imminent. Their best performance had come in the 2014 edition of the Twenty20 league where they finished as the second-best team. They had lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.

Meanwhile, former Indian batsman, Mohammad Kaif is also set to join Delhi Daredevils as a batting coach. Delhi will be coached by former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

Furthermore, Delhi Daredevils are eyeing to get Shikhar Dhawan in their team for the next season. Dhawan was earlier reported to be going to Mumbai Indians.

In fact, Kings XI Punjab was also in talks with Dhawan. Punjab was ready to increase Dhawan’s price by INR 1 crore and was looking to trade him in place of Karun Nair. However, the final deal could not be struck.

Shane Warne who was the mentor of the Rajasthan Royals is going to be a full-time coach in IPL 2019 for Rajasthan Royals. India’s World Cup winning coach Gary Kirsten will be in charge of the Royal Challengers Bangalore after the sacking of former coach Daniel Vettori.