The Indian Premier League (IPL) might still be a few months away but Kings XI Punjab have been keeping busy in the run-up to the auctions.
The Mohali-based franchise has roped in former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson for the upcoming edition. The former Blackcaps boss replaces Brad Hodge as the team’s coach despite the Australian signing on for a period of three years ahead of the 2018 edition.
Hesson had stepped down from his role with the New Zealand cricket team in July this year with Gary Stead replacing him subsequently.
The Kings XI already have former India opener Virender Sehwag as the team mentor and head of cricket operations.
Nava Season ✅
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 29, 2018
Nava Coach ✅
Ek Navi Umang ✅
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New Season ✅
New Coach ✅
Renewed Passion ✅
Welcoming @CoachHesson to the @lionsdenkxip#LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #KXIP pic.twitter.com/57AmpqvRNR
While Hesson has been appointed as the new coach, the team have also traded Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to the Royal Challengers Bangalore and have roped in batsman Mandeep Singh in return.
The trade has now been completed according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. The Punjab franchise will be hoping for a much better showing in the next edition after missing out on the playoffs in 2018.
Led by Ravichandran Ashwin, the Kings XI made a fantastic start to their campaign by winning five of their first seven matches before a disastrous second half followed where they lost six out of seven matches.
Whether the team manages to make any other moves before the December auction remains to be seen. Teams have been given a deadline until November 15 to retain and trade players before going in for the player auction a month later.
