Five former IPL captains who are now coaches of franchises.
From 2008 to 2020, franchises have seen players, captains and coach keep changing over the time period. While some have stuck to their franchise, some left and some retired.
Now with the IPL 2020 a month away, cricketers are gearing up to witness a unique edition amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's cash-rich tournament will start in the UAE.
Almost all the players will have no match practice heading into IPL 2020, which will be putting extra load on the coaching staff.
All IPL franchises have big names in their backroom staff, with many having participated in the IPL as players as well. So let's see five former IPL captains who are now coaches of franchises.
1. Anil Kumble - Captained RCB, Head coach of KXIP
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Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble played for his home franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first three seasons of the IPL.
After RCB'S dismal season in 2008, Kumble changed the fortunes of the team in 2009 by leading the franchise to their first IPL final in South Africa.
However, despite his efforts, RCB could not beat Deccan Chargers in the summit clash. The next year, RCB reached the final-four once again but ended in third place.
Kumble played 42 IPL matches, scalping 45 wickets/ He led RCB in 26 games, and under his captaincy, the franchise won 15 matches.
Now, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) roped in Kumble as their head coach for IPL 2020. The former Indian cricket team coach has formed a great group of players and are one of the favourites to win IPL this year.
2. Brendon McCullum - Captained KKR and GL, Head coach of KKR
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Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum was part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the first three seasons of the IPL. He then returned for another stint with the franchise in 2012-13.
McCullum got the opportunity to lead the Knight Riders in 2009, however, KKR could not make it to the last four of the IPL that year.
Seven years later, the Kiwi player led the Gujarat Lions (GL) against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Now, the 38-year-old is appointed as KKR's head coach for IPL 2020.
3. Ricky Ponting - Captained MI, Head coach of DC
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Ricky Ponting did not get a chance to lead an IPL team until 2013. Mumbai Indians (MI) appointed him as the skipper, but after six matches, he dropped himself and named Rohit Sharma the new leader.
After retirement, Ponting became a member of the Mumbai franchise's backroom staff. In 2018, Delhi Capitals (DC) appointed him as their head coach.
The 45-year-old guided Delhi to third place in the IPL last year and he will aim to take the team to its maiden title in the competition.
4. Mahela Jayawardene - Captained KXIP, KTK, DD, Head coach of MI
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Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene captained three teams in the IPL - Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in 2010, Kochi Tuskers Kerala (KTK) the next year and then Delhi Daredevils (DD).
However, after retirement, the Colombo-based batsman tried his luck in coaching and served as the English team's batting consultant for a while in 2015.
In 2017, Mumbai Indians (MI) selected him as Ricky Ponting's replacement in their coaching staff and under him, the Mumbai franchise have won two IPL titles in three years.
5. James Hopes - Captained DD, Fast bowling coach of DC
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James Hopes played for three IPL teams: Delhi, Kings XI Punjab and Pune Warriors.
The Australian fast-bowling all-rounder scored 417 runs and scalped 14 wickets in his IPL career. The Queensland native also led the Delhi Daredevils (now called Delhi Capitals) in three matches of IPL 2011.
Even though Delhi could not win any match under his captaincy, the franchise signed him as their fast bowling coach in 2018.
Hopes is still a part of the backroom staff and will be preparing the franchise's bowlers after the long break due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
