Kings XI Punjab In Talks With Anil Kumble Over Head Coach Post

Kings XI Punjab’s woes in the Indian Premier League is showing no signs of coming to an end. Their hunt for their first-ever IPL title continues to drag on. They continue to remain one of the only three sides in the league who are yet to win the league. And in a desperate attempt to win the league next season, they have already started overhauling the team.

A few weeks ago, they parted ways with Mike Hesson who was their head coach last season. Kings XI Punjab fared poorly and finished sixth in the league. And the franchise is now reportedly in talks with former India skipper and coach Anil Kumble to take over as the head coach of the team. Anil Kumble has not coached any team since stepping down as India’s coach in 2017.

While his exit was marred by controversy, he did have a very good track record with the Indian team. Under him, India beat New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh and England at home before making it to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Anil Kumble also has coaching experience in the IPL.

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He was associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians. During his time with the Mumbai Indians between 2013 and 2015, the franchise won two titles. Kings XI Punjab would be desperately hoping that Kumble leads them to title too. According to Mumbai Mirror, he is currently in talks with Kings XI Punjab for the deal.

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A final decision will be made when the board of the franchise meet in Mumbai in a few days. Kumble himself could meet the owners in order to finalise the deal. Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia and Preity Zinta, the main owners of the team, are likely to attend the meeting.

The report also suggested that Anil Kumble is unlikely to let Ravichandran Ashwin leave the team if he takes over. Kings XI Punjab are currently in talks with Delhi Capitals to trade the off-spinner who led them in the last two seasons.