Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson appointed head coach of Kings XI Punjab

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has been appointed as the new head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab. He replaces Brad Hodge, who was at the helm at IPL 11.

Hesson, 43, announced his resignation as New Zealand head coach, earlier this year in June with just months to go before the 2019 Cricket World Cup. He cited “break from the rigours of international cricket” as his reason to step down.

Nava Season ✅
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

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 29, 2018

We were in talks with many reputed coaches before zeroing on Hesson. He has been appointed on a two-year contract,” KXIP CEO Satish Menon was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

He is considered to be one of the most successful coaches of New Zealand and guided the country to numerous accolades during his tenure as the coach from July 2012. It was during his term that New Zealand reached its first World Cup final in the 2015 edition of the tournament. They lost to Australia in the final.

Hesson is also the third New Zealander after Stephen Fleming (CSK) and Daniel Vettori (former RCB coach) to be appointed as the coach of an IPL franchise. He will be given the choice to choose his own staff, said a report from the agency.

But it remains to be seen whether Sehwag, who has been an influential member at the franchise in his role as their mentor retains his position.

Kings XI are yet to win a title and only progressed to the final once in 2014, where they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. It was also the last time they progressed into the playoffs.

They finished seventh among eight teams in the last season with 12 points 14 matches, eight of which resulted in defeats.

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