Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kings XI Punjab has appointed Australia’s Brad Hodge as head coach on a three-year deal. Hodge, who was the coach of Gujarat Lions for the past two seasons, will report to former India opener Virender Sehwag, the mentor and director of the Punjab side.
Hodge had a decent run with Gujarat Lions having guided them to the final in 2016. Hodge will head the support staff that includes Mithun Minhas and J Arun Kumar for Punjab. The 42-year-old Australian continues to play for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.
Kings XI had a mixed 2017 season, only to lose their play-offs spot in their last match against Rising Pune Supergiant, the eventual runners-up. The coach’s job was informally held by Sehwag after Sanjay Bangar resigned in December 2016.
Ness Wadia, one of the co-owners of Kings XI said, “We have signed a three-year agreement with Brad, who will be our head coach. Viru [Sehwag] will be actively involved, too, as our director of cricket.”
Wadia also said that the franchise will invest in creating a stable set-up now that they make operational profits. “We really see that after 10 (tenth season), now that more money is coming, now that the model is bringing in operational income and profit, we can build a proper franchise. We are hopeful of taking things forward and get the best team possible.”
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