IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab interested in roping in Anil Kumble as head coach

Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble has not been associated with any team since his unceremonious exit from the national team. The legendary bowler was doing a stellar job with India before falling out with skipper Virat Kohli. The reports of the rift emerged during the 2017 Champions Trophy and Kumble sensationally stepped down from his post just a day after the competition.

Well, if reports are to be believed then Kumble’s coaching career could revive in the coming days. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Kumble is in talks with Kings XI Punjab. If everything falls in place, he might coach them in the Indian Premier League (IPL) next season. Kings XI Punjab are currently without a coach after parting ways with Mike Hesson a few weeks ago.

The report further stated that a final decision will be made when the board members 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, will attend the meeting in all likelihood.

Kumble is not new to coaching even in the IPL. He previously had stints with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians as coach or mentor. He was associated with Mumbai Indians for three years between 2013 and 2015. During his time, Mumbai Indians won their maiden IPL title in 2013 before winning it for the second time in 2015.

Change in plans for Ravichandran Ashwin:

The report also claimed that Kings XI Punjab might retain Ravichandran Ashwin if Anil Kumble takes the head coach’s job. Kumble is a known admirer of Ashwin and is likely to let the off-spinner leave the team. Kings XI Punjab are currently in negotiation with Delhi Capitals to strike a trade deal for Ashwin. As of now, nothing is finalised yet.

Meanwhile, apart from Anil Kumble, Kings XI Punjab also have some other big names on their radar. According to previous media reports, the franchise is also considering Mike Hussey, Darren Lehmann and Andy Flower for the post. George Bailey is in contention too but only as a batting coach and not the head coach.

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