Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) added yet another heavyweight in their coaching set up. The Punjab-based franchise has roped in former South Africa pacer Charl Langeveldt as their bowling coach. KXIP haven’t made an announcement regarding it but his is mentioned of their official website.
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Earlier, reports had suggested that they have roped in West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as their bowling coach but his name never featured on the official website.
Langeveldt has a wealthy experience of working with international teams. He started his career with South Africa before being replaced by Ottis Gibson when he took over as head coach. Langeveldt worked with Afghanistan cricket team before joining Bangladesh – along with Daniel Vettori – following World Cup 2019. Although, he returned to South Africa after five months.
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At KXIP, Langeveldt will be working under director of cricket Anil Kumble, who is all set to make his comeback in IPL. Apart from Kumble, Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) and Wasim Jaffer (batting coach) are other two well-known faces in KXIP’s set-up. Sunil Joshi had also joined KXIP as their bowling coach but he succeeded MSK Prasad as the chairman of the selection panel a couple of days back, which bars him from working with an IPL team.
Apart from a new coaching staff, KXIP also have a new captain in the form of KL Rahul. The franchise wanted to retain captain R Ashwin for the season but he was keen on moving to Delhi Capitals, which saw a change in the leadership role.
One of the most underperforming teams in IPL, KXIP have only played one IPL final – in 2014 – 12 seasons. They are yet to qualify for playoffs since then.
KXIP take on Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in their opening game of the season on March 30. They play their first home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 4.