Reports: Mike Hesson to coach Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2019

The preparations for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have begun. While the BCCI is still pondering over where to stage the tournament following the general elections in India next year, the franchises have kept themselves busy in the trading window which is open currently. Meanwhile, the changes are being made in the coaching staff also as Brad Hodge has been sacked as Kings XI Punjab’s coach after the team failed to make it to the playoffs last season.

According to the reports in Mumbai Mirror, Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand head coach, will replace Hodge at the helm as the Punjab franchise is looking to make amends for a poor show earlier this year. It also remains to be seen if they release any of their star players for the upcoming season. Reportedly, it has been learnt that Karun Nair was traded for Shikhar Dhawan but there is confirmation from either of the franchises as of now.

Punjab’s issues

Kings XI Punjab were one of the hot favourites to win the last season after winning most of their matches in the first half. However, somehow they managed to lose all the momentum in the next few games and by the time, they came out on the field for their last league match, the team was all but ruled out of the tournament with an improbable target to win in order to better their net run-rate.

The skipper Ravi Ashwin‘s few moves were questioned and they remain a brute force for the upcoming season as well. With the IPL likely to be played outside India, the franchise will have to be smart enough to pick the players accordingly in the auction.

Hesson, however, will be making his debut in the marquee tournament after appearing on Star Sports for a few days as an analyst. His work ethics did wonders for New Zealand Cricket over the last couple of years and it will be interesting to see if he can bring the elusive trophy for Punjab next year.

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