“It Is Right Time For Him To Take Captaincy,” Anil Kumble After KXIP Giving Captaincy To KL Rahul

Mumbai: As captain Ravichandran Ashwin is no more a part of Kings XI Punjab, the team management had a big responsibility to appoint a new captain.

Ashwin is all set to play for Delhi Capitals this year, meanwhile, Anil Kumble, who was hired as the head coach a month or so ago, decided to give the captaincy to opening batsman KL Rahul ahead of the 13th edition of the league.

The Karnataka player recently played for Indian team where he performed brilliantly especially in short format of cricket.

Talking about Rahul’s appointment as captain, Kumble told Sportstar in an interview that it was important to build the team around an Indian player and Rahul really had no better option for the franchise.

“We wanted to give responsibility to KL Rahul. This is the right time for him to take over the mantle and it is important to build a franchise around an Indian player and there’s no one better than Rahul,” Kumble revealed.

On India’s decision to hand over the responsibility to the opener, Kumble further revealed that some reasons for talent, respect, and performance by the KXIP management put-up their faith on 27 years old opener.

He said, ‘He is extremely talented and we know the qualities that he brings to the team as a batsman and as a wicketkeeper if he has to. And then he gives that honor to the team. He has been the best performer for Kings XI with the bat in the last two years. Obviously, all these things matter. With the kind of support team we have formed a coaching team, I firmly believe that we will be able to support Rahul in every way so that he can develop as a captain.”

The Kings XI made some significant signings in the recently-concluded IPL auction in Kolkata where they bought the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, and James Neesham among the overseas stars.

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