IPL: Wasim Jaffer Joins Kings XI Punjab As Batting Coach

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have made another addition to their support staff as they have roped in Wasim Jaffer as batting coach for the upcoming season. The franchise confirmed the news on its official website, where Jaffer’s name appears with other members of the coaching staff.

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A domestic legend who recently became the first cricketer to play 150 Ranji Trophy matches, Jaffer has been with Vidarbha as mentor cum player for past few years. Although he hasn’t had a long stint as a coach – Jaffer was Bangladesh’s batting consultant for Sri Lanka ODIs after World Cup. Jaffer is still an active player and might go on to play for a few more years if does not get into full-time coaching.

Interestingly, George Bailey’s name does not appear on the website. When KXIP announced Anil Kumble as their Director of Cricket Operations, there were reports that Bailey, KXIP’s former captain, had also joined the support staff.

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India great Anil Kumble will head KXIP’s coaching staff. Sunil Joshi, Courtney Walsh and Jonty Rhodes are other members of the staff but KXIP have only mentioned Rhodes’ name on the website.

Going into the IPL 2020 which takes place on Thursday, KXIP can fill upto nine slots (four overseas). They have a budget of Rs 42.70 Crore.

Ahead of the auction, the franchise released Andrew Tye, Sam Curran, Moises Henriques, David Miller, Prabhsimran Singh, Agnivesh Ayachi and Varun Chakravarthy.

Also, the franchise revamped its coaching staff by roping in Kumble. Last year, Mike Hesson led KXIP’s coaching staff while in IPL 2018, Brd Hodge was their head coach – Virender Sehwag was also associated with KXIP in 2018.

KXIP, who haven’t been in Playoffs since 2014, will also have a new captain this time as they traded R Ashwin to Delhi Capitals. KL Rahul leads the race to take over the post but the franchise has an option to pick an experienced campaigner in the auction.