- Advertisement -

A Strong XI Comprising Backroom Staff Of IPL 2021 Teams

4348
Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara Backroom Staff of IPL 2021
Photo: Delhi Capitals/Rajasthan Royals

In recent years, a strong backroom staff has translated into some fine performances on the field. Yes, it’s a highly fragile concept, but yet, there have been results to witness. In this article, we talk about an XI that consists of members from the backroom staff of IPL 2021 Teams.

- Advertisement -

Over a season that happens only once a year and for almost two months long, there have to be relevant preparations. Hence, IPL franchises usually name a few experienced former cricketers to take care of the responsibilities. Moreover, the modern game needs specialists for certain roles, and here too, teams lean towards ex-players. On that note, we take a look at some prominent names in the backroom staff of IPL 2021 teams.

Openers: Sachin Tendulkar and Brendon McCullum

While Sachin Tendulkar is the batting mentor of Mumbai Indians, Brendon McCullum holds the ‘Head Coach’ position at KKR. We have not been fortunate to witness this duo opening together, although it could have possible. Both have done well in the past and make for proper T20 opening partners. While the Kiwi knows one way to play, Sachin can both play the role of an anchor or an aggressor. This flexibility will help the team to do well.

- Advertisement -

Middle-Order: Ricky Ponting (C), Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Mahela Jayawardene and Mike Hussey

Mahela Jayawardene Backroom Staff of IPL 2021
Photo: Mahela Jayawardene/Instagram

This middle-order is a legendary one and can be a real deal across formats and conditions. Delhi’s Head Coach Ricky Ponting comes in at his favourite No.3, and he also captains the squad. Kumar Sangakkara is the latest entry in IPL with his position at the Rajasthan Royals. While he keeps wickets, his countryman and Mumbai’s coach Mahela Jayawardane comes in next. It is in itself difficult to go past these three, but at No.6, we have Mike Hussey. Although the Aussie has found success in IPL at the top-order, for his country, he was a designated finisher. He will play a similar role in this team. With such a strong middle-order, we didn’t think any all-rounders would be needed to support the batting unit.

- Advertisement -

Bowlers: Zaheer Khan, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond, Anil Kumble and M Muralitharan

The backroom staff of IPL 2021 has several bowling coaches. Again, like the batting unit, this department is so strong that we don’t feel that an extra bowling option will be needed. Zaheer Khan and Shane Bond will act as the leaders of the pace attack. Both are part of the Mumbai Indians. Kiwi pacer Kyle Mills will be third quick. He is currently at KKR. In the spin department, we have the legendary Kumble and Muralitharan forming a mind-blowing spin attack.