IPL: Virender Sehwag Steps Down As Kings XI Punjab Mentor

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, on Saturday, ended his association with IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab. The swashbuckling opener played from the franchise for two years before mentoring them for three years from 2016 to 2018

The legendary batsman took to Twitter to announce his decision. In his post, Sehwag wrote:

“All good things must come to an end and I’ve had a wonderful time at Kings 11 Punjab, for 2 seasons as a player and 3 as a mentor. My association with Kings 11 comes to an end and I am thankful for the time I have had here and wish the team all the very best for the times ahead.”

All good things must come to an end and I've had a wonderful time at Kings 11 Punjab, for 2 seasons as a player and 3 as a mentor. My association with Kings 11 comes to an end and I am thankful for the time I have had here and wish the team all the very best for the times ahead.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 3, 2018

One of India’s greatest-ever batsmen,  Sehwag began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils before moving to Kings XI Punjab. Overall, he played 104 games in IPL, scoring 2728 runs at an average of 27.55. The right-handed batsman also scored two tons and 16 fifties as a player in the IPL.

One of the highs of his time with Kings XI Punjab came in 2014 when he helped the side make it to their maiden final. Virender Sehwag had scored a stunning ton against Chennai Super Kings in the second qualifier. However, his time as mentor did not yield good results. In 2016, the team finished at the bottom and followed it with fifth and seventh place finish in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Interestingly, Virender Sehwag’s resignation comes just a few days after Kings XI Punjab appointed former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson as their coach on a two-year contract. The New Zealander replaced Brad Hodge as the coach of the franchise.

Nava Season ✅
Nava Coach ✅
Ek Navi Umang ✅

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New Season ✅
New Coach ✅
Renewed Passion ✅

Welcoming @CoachHesson to the @lionsdenkxip#LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #KXIP pic.twitter.com/57AmpqvRNR

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) October 29, 2018

Well, Kings XI Punjab will be hoping that the new changes finally change their fortunes.