IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab rope in Wasim Jaffer as batting coach

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have roped in former India opener Wasim Jaffer as their new batting coach. Jaffer is still an active player in the domestic circuit and is currently plying his trade for two-time defending champions Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy. He recently became the first to play in 150 Ranji Trophy matches.

With the Ranji Trophy getting over in March next year, Wasim Jaffer would not have any playing commitment when the IPL will be underway in the summer. One of the most experienced batsmen in the game right now, the right-handed batsman is not new to coaching either. He is currently the batting coach of Bangladesh Cricket Board Academy.

Jaffer played 31 Tests and 2 ODIs for India, scoring nearly 2,000 runs with the help of five centuries and 11 fifties. The 41-year old also played in the IPL when he plied his trade for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural season in 2008. It was a forgettable campaign for him as he scored just 115 runs in six matches at 19.16.

Wasim Jaffer thanks Anil Kumble

Wasim Jaffer thanked his former India captain and current Kings XI Punjab coach Anil Kumble for giving him the opportunity to work with the franchise. The ex-India opener revealed that Kumble was the one who approached him with the offer.

“I’m thankful to Kumble. He’s the one who approached me. It was an honour to play under him for India. I’ve got so much to learn from him. Though I’m currently coaching in Bangladesh (he’s the batting coach at the Bangladesh Cricket Board academy), this is obviously a good opportunity, and I’m looking forward to this experience,” Jaffer told The Times of India.

Kings XI Punjab, meanwhile, have completely revamped their backroom staff as they look to win their first-ever IPL title. After naming Kumble as head coach, they have appointed Sunil Joshi as the bowling coach of the team. Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes has joined the team too as the fielding coach. The team will also have to name a new captain after trading Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals.

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