Rajasthan Royals appoint Andrew McDonald as head coach
Rajasthan Royals have announced their new head coach for the upcoming season. The franchise have signed former Australian all-rounder Andrew McDonald as their coach for the next three years. McDonald has featured in the IPL previously as a player for Delhi Daredevils (2009 to 2011) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012 to 2013). This will be his second coaching assignment in the IPL after him being a bowling coach for RCB. His other coaching stints include Australia’s Sheffield Shield, Big Bash League, Leicestershire in County Cricket.
? ANNOUNCEMENT ?
Say hello to our new Head Coach ?? Andrew McDonald ?
Here’s a lot more about him!?? #HallaBol #RoyalsFamily
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 21, 2019
“I’m delighted to join the Royals family. It’s a great honour to take on this responsibility. The Rajasthan Royals is a new, exciting challenge for me, and I can’t wait to get started working with our world class players and coaches in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world.” Andrew McDonald said.
Career so far
The 38-year old Victorian cricketer comes with an international cricket experience of four Test matches for Australia. He has played 95 first-class, 100 List-A and 93 T20I matches. Donning the coach’s hat, he helped Victoria secure the Sheffield Shield in the first year of his assignment. McDonald later coached Melbourne Renegades to their maiden Big Bash title this year (2018-19).
Royals’ head of cricket, Zubin Bharucha heaped praise on the newly appointed coach.
“Andrew’s innovative, forward thinking nature, along with his experience in the IPL and success in other leagues is why we have selected him as Head Coach to help us drive long term success. He is data focused and an impressive man manager who remains well versed with the rigours of modern day cricket,” Bharucha said.
After winning the inaugural IPL trophy under the captaincy of Shane Warne in 2008, Rajasthan Royals have not been able to enter another IPL final. Since 2013, they have been a mid-table team. In IPL 2019, they finished 7th out of 8 teams.
