Ahead of the much-anticipated IPL auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore have roped in two members from India’s world cup winning squad of 2011, Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra as batting and bowling coaches.
Daniel Vettori will continue to remain head coach while Trent Woodhill and Andrew McDonald have been assigned new roles of batting and bowling talent development and analytics respectively. RCB who kissed the bottom of the table in 2017 is clearly looking for a change in the think-tank.
“South African cricketer Gary Kirsten and former Indian fast-bowler Ashish Nehra have come on-board as Batting and Bowling Coach, respectively. Additionally, Kirsten and Nehra will also play the role of mentors for the team during the league,” RCB”s statement read.
Kirsten has been one of the most successful coaches in contemporary times. He was there with India when the Men in Blue lifted their second world-cup trophy in 2011. Thereafter he has had a stint with South Africa till 2013. Kirsten had also penned a 3-year deal with DD in 2013 before his sacking after just one edition. Recently he was appointed the coach of Hobart Hurricanes in BBL.
Meanwhile, there were reports taking rounds about Nehra’s interest in working with an IPL franchise as a mentor and finally, RCB decided to bring him in. The 38-year-old played his last game in professional cricket on November 1, against New Zealand at Feroze Shah Kotla, Delhi.
“I am excited to welcome Gary and Ashish to the coaching team for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both of them bring a wealth of experience in cricket, which the team can learn from immensely. We look forward to an amazing season,” Vettori said.
RCB are likely to retain Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers ahead of the auction. The IPL auctioned is penciled in on January 27 and 28at Bangalore.
– by Atharva Apte
