Former New Zealand fast bowler, Shane Bond, has taken on a dual role as an assistant and bowling coach with the Rajasthan Royals in preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Bond, who previously held the same role with the Mumbai Indians for nine years, replaces Lasith Malinga as the Royals' bowling coach.
Malinga had been the fast-bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons but moved to a similar role with the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. Bond enjoyed a successful tenure with the Mumbai Indians, contributing to their title wins in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He also served as the head coach of the MI Emirates franchise in the inaugural edition of ILT20.
"Under his guidance, several fast bowlers, including renowned names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult, and more, transformed into T20 specialists. The 48-year-old will be reuniting with the latter at the Royals, along with potentially working on improving the current core of fast bowlers which includes Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, KM Asif and Kuldip Yadav," the Royals said in a statement.
Bond expressed his excitement about joining the Rajasthan Royals, a franchise known for its forward-thinking approach, ahead of IPL 2024.
Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket for the Rajasthan Royals, welcomed Bond's appointment, highlighting the valuable experience he brings to mentor the young fast bowlers within the team.
"Shane is one of the greatest fast bowlers of modern-day cricket, and brings with himself a wealth of experience and knowledge having mentored some of the best in the business. He has served in the IPL and in India for a number of years and is well-versed with the processes involved within the franchise ecosystem. He is someone who has a keen eye for helping the best become even better and we are delighted to welcome him to the franchise, and look forward to seeing the impact he can make towards moulding us into a title-winning team.," Sangakkara said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IND vs NZ: Rohit Sharma reacts to Virat Kohli's match-winning knock in typical 'Hitman' style
Watch: After heated chat, pumped-up Virat Kohli hugs and lifts Rohit Sharma in dressing room balcony post India's win
