The BCCI initiated the Indian Premier League in the year 2008 after the Indian cricket team emerged victorious in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup 2007. IPL gave the young Indian cricketers a perfect stage to showcase their talent. Many experts feel IPL is the reason why India has improved so much since 2008.
India has become so strong now that they can send two squads for two different tours at the same time. Now, even the foreign players give priority to the IPL. Speaking of IPL, foreign coaches are also an important part of the competition. Here’s a look at all head coaches of IPL 2008 and where are they now.
8. Deccan Chargers – Robin Singh
Robin Singh was the head coach of the Deccan Chargers in the first season of the IPL. Unfortunately, the Deccan Chargers finished last in that season.
Singh has coached teams all over the world after his stint with the Deccan Chargers. In February 2020, UAE appointed him as the Director of Cricket.
7. Mumbai Indians – Lalchand Rajput
Lalchand Rajput served as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural. Although MI had some big names in the team, they could not make it to the semifinals.
After the stint with the Mumbai-based franchise, Lalchand has coached various teams. Most recently, Zimbabwe Cricket appointed him as their team’s head coach.
6. Royal Challengers Bangalore – Venkatesh Prasad
Venkatesh Prasad was one of the top pace bowlers of India during his prime. Prasad was the head coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first season.
The RCB franchise could not qualify for the semifinals in IPL 2008. Prasad was recently seen in a very popular advertisement along with his fast-bowling partners.
5. Chennai Super Kings – Kepler Wessels
Kepler Wessels is one of the few players to have played international cricket for two countries. Wessels coached the Chennai Super Kings in the first IPL season.
Under him, the Super Kings reached the first-ever IPL final, losing to the Rajasthan Royals. After coaching CSK, Wessels returned to South Africa and began coaching there. He has also played lawn balls after retirement.
4. Tom Moody was the coach of Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2008
Tom Moody is a former Australian cricketer. After retirement, Moody has played various roles in the team management of different teams and franchises.
One of them was Kings XI Punjab, who signed him as their head coach in IPL 2008. Moody is currently working as a Director of Cricket at Sunrisers Hyderabad.
3. Shane Warne
Veteran Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne was the captain of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008. Interestingly, he was also the coach of the team.
Under his leadership, the Jaipur-based franchise captured the IPL championship. Warne is still associated with the Royals, and he also holds 3% stake in the franchise.
2. Greg Shipperd was the coach of Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2008
Australian cricket coach Greg Shipperd served as the coach of the Delhi Daredevils in the first IPL season. Shipperd played 112 first-class matches in his domestic cricket.
After retirement, the Aussie decided to take up coaching as a career. Right now, Shipperd is working as the head coach of Big Bash League team Sydney Sixers.
1. John Buchanan was the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2008
Kolkata Knight Riders was one of the four teams that could not qualify for the semifinals in IPL 2008. Their head coach was John Buchanan.
Buchanan was the coach of the Australian team when they won the 2007 Cricket World Cup. However, he was not so successful in IPL. In 2011, New Zealand had appointed him as their Director of Cricket.
