IPL 2020: Meet the coaches of all eight franchises

We are only two weeks away from the start of the 2020 season of the IPL. This year, some massive changes have taken place in many of the franchises, especially in the coaching staff. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad will all have new personnel helming the dugout. With the coaching lineup of all the eight franchises now set, we take a look at the men who will be in charge of leading their respective teams to glory.

Mahela Jayawardene – Mumbai Indians

Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene replaced Ricky Ponting at the helm of Mumbai Indians in 2017. Despite an average season in 2018, the franchise decided to persist with his services. The decision paid off rich dividends as Mumbai stormed to a title win last season. Jayawardene also had a successful playing career in the tournament, scoring 1802 runs in 80 matches at an average of 28.6.

Stephen Fleming – Chennai Super Kings

Stephen Fleming has had a long and fruitful association with the Chennai Super Kings. He has been a part of the franchise since 2008, first as a player and then as the head coach. When CSK were banned for two years, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant, continuing his partnership with MS Dhoni. He returned to the Chennai-based franchise in their comeback year in 2018. Fleming has already cemented his legacy as the most successful coach in the league, winning titles in 2010, 2011 and 2018. Under his guidance, CSK also won the Champions League crown in 2010 and 2014.

Ricky Ponting – Delhi Capitals

One of the most successful captains in the history of Australian cricket, Ricky Ponting was first a part of the IPL as a player. He then became the coach of Mumbai Indians between 2014-2016, leading them to a title win in 2015. He then became the head coach of Delhi Capitals in 2018 and will continue in the role in the upcoming season. There will be a lot of pressure on him to deliver with the crop of talented young players which he has at his disposal.

Trevor Bayliss – Sunrisers Hyderabad

Trevor Bayliss first coached the Kolkata Knight Riders between 2012-2014, before tasting great success with the England national team. He coached the Three Lions to their maiden World Cup win in 2019 and was then roped in by SRH to coach an explosive side for the upcoming season. He has experience in winning the tournament, being the coach of KKR who won their two titles in 2012 and 2014.

Brendon McCullum – Kolkata Knight Riders

Starting his journey in the IPL as a player with Kolkata Knight Riders, the former New Zealand captain now returns to the franchise as their head coach. He already has some coaching experience, managing the Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2019 Caribbean Premier League. It will be interesting to see the brand of cricket that KKR play under his guidance.

Simon Katich – Royal Challengers Bangalore

The former Australian opener will helm the new RCB think-tank in 2020 along with Mike Hesson. He played 11 matches in the tournament for Kings XI Punjab, before becoming KKR’s batting coach in 2015. Katich is highly regarded for his sharp coaching acumen and it will be interesting to see whether he can arrest RCB’s persistent slump in the upcoming season.

Anil Kumble – Kings XI Punjab

Legendary spinner Anil Kumble has overcome many obstacles in his career. Leading Kings XI Punjab to their maiden IPL title as a coach could well prove to be his biggest challenge. His tenure as India’s head coach came to an abrupt end after disagreements with skipper Virat Kohli. He also previously mentored RCB in 2012 and Mumbai Indians between 2013-15. His strategy in the auctions will have to be spot-on in order to turn KXIP into serious contenders for the 2020 season.

Andrew McDonald – Rajasthan Royals

A versatile all-rounder, Andrew McDonald played four Tests for Australia. As a coach though, he has really excelled, leading Victoria to the Sheffield Shield title in the 2016-17 season. He also coached the Melbourne Renegades to a Big Bash League win in the previous edition. With a keen eye for unearthing new talent, his philosophy perfectly matches with the Rajasthan Royals who have appointed him as their new head coach.