Almost a couple of years resigning at the head coach of the Indian cricket team in bitter circumstances following a rift with skipper Virat Kohli, former Indian skipper, Anil Kumble is set to return to coaching. India’s highest Test wicket-taker has been roped-in as director, cricket operations, of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).

Kumble’s contract was finalized at a board meeting of the franchise on Thursday at a five-star hotel here. Announcing the same on Thursday, KXIP co-owner, Ness Wadia said, “Kumble is our choice to coach Kings XI. The world knows about his cricketing and coaching abilities. He’s a very calm, cool and collected person.”

He further added, “He comes with a lot of experience in the IPL, having worked with two other franchises in the past, and also with the Indian team. We’re pretty sure that under his leadership, Kings XI will do very well.”

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Kumble has been a chief mentor with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the past. Amongst the support staff, which has been hired in consultation with Kumble, former Australian limited-overs skipper, George Bailey is the new batting coach of the team. Bailey was the captain of KXIP when they reached the IPL final in 2014.

Former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi has also been roped in as the assistant coach of the team. Joshi has been the spin bowling coach of Bangladesh. South African great Jonty Rhodes is tipped to be the fielding coach of the franchise, while West Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh could be the bowling coach cum talent scout of the team. 

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There have been rumors that the Kings may ‘trade’ their captain -India’s Test off-spinner R Ashwin to the Delhi Capitals, but Wadia was categorical that Ashwin continues to stay an integral part of the team. Kumble’s first assignment will be leading the King XI at the next IPL auction in Kolkata on December 19.