Kings XI Punjab are going through a major overhaul. Not only will they have a new coach and plenty of new players, but they will also have completely new coaching set up. They have formed a very formidable coaching unit as of now, and it has got even more stronger following the addition of Andy Flower. The former Zimbabwean cricket has been roped in as the assistant coach.
This news comes after the former assistant coach of Kings XI Punjab, Sunil Joshi was appointed as the chairman of selectors by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Flower will assist Anil Kumble, the former Indian head coach who was appointed by Kings XI Punjab for the next edition of IPL. Given the experience Flower has in terms of coaching, one can claim that Kumble has got a trustworthy partner.
Punjab have previously announced that legendary South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who has been working with Mumbai Indians for a long while, will be seen as the fielding coach of the side. They have also roped in former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer as the batting coach. Another South African in Charl Langeveldt, who once was a Kolkata Knight Riders player, will be seen as the bowling coach of the side. Andrew Leipus, another ex-KKR staff, will be the physio of the team.
Why Flower is a good choice?
The Zimbabwean coach has quite a bit of experience in this particular sector. He started out by becoming the assistant coach of the England team in 2007. Just a couple of years later, he was appointed as the team director. Under his directorship, the three lions won Ashes twice within three years. They also won the ICC World T20 during his tenure. He was appointed as the head coach of Peshawar Zalmi in 2016, and is currently working as the coach of Multan Sultans. Hence, when experience is in question, Flower certainly ticks all boxes.