Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble believes that Chris Gayle will have an off-field role too this IPL as mentor for some of the young players in the team. Gayle, who is 40, might not play all matches this IPL season and might be potentially seen as a mentor in the Kings XI unit.
During a media interaction, Kumble maintained that Gayle will still be in as a player this year.
“We will have to see the conditions at the main ground as we have been practising,” Kumble said. “Chris has a major role as a player and even otherwise.
“His leadership, his experience, the youngsters look up to him. It is not just Chris the batsman we are looking at but Chris in a leadership role in terms of his contribution to developing young players. I want him to be active in the mentorship role.”
Kings XI have compelling overseas players this season having added all-rounders Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham and fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan to their squad. “Not just foreign players (but) picking Indian players will be a challenge,” he noted. “We have a few practice games that will tell us (the best combination).
“We have a strong team. We needed an impact player in the middle and not just with batting and fielding and Maxwell is also handy with the ball. And a fast bowler who bowls at the death.”
“I would like to see more Indian coaches in the IPL,” he said. “It is not a true reflection of the Indian resources.
“I would want to see many Indians being part of the IPL as head coaches. It is a bit of an irony – one Indian as head coach. I think at some point of time there will be a lot more Indian coaches