Internet Desk : Suresh Raina has been appointed the captain of Rajkot franchise . The franchise owned by the Intex Technologies Ltd will be named “ Gujarat Lions ” . The franchise also roped in Aussie T20 specialist Brad Hodge as their coach for IPL 2016. The name was announced by 23-year-old Intex owner Keshav Bansal on Tuesday at an event in the capital where the Team jersey was also unveiled.
According to report the Rajkot franchise has earlier approached Gary Kirsten who was fired by the Delhi Daredevils. Rajkot was very keen to rope in the South African as he worked closely with Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina during his stint with the Indian Team.
Hodge have the experience of playing the Indian Premier league (IPL) with various franchise – Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kochi Tuskers. The Australian is currently playing the Masters Champions League (MCL) with Gemini Arabians. He was also the captain of Adelaide strikers in Big Bash and guided his team to the semi-final.
Interestingly Suresh Raina has been named the captain of the Gujarat Lions . The left hander who hit the winning four in the final T20 international against Australia was picked for the role ahead of experienced Dwayne Bravo and Brendon McCullum. Raina was chosen as a captain ahead of Brendon McCallum.
Meanwhile a total of 351 players including capped and uncapped players will go for auction in Bengaluru on Saturday. Hodge is also in the auction pool at a base price of 50 lakhs. It will be interesting to see whether he will withdraw his name or he choses to be a player cum coach like another Aussie legend Shane Warne who played the dual role of coach cum player for Rajasthan Royals.
Two new franchises have replaced Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals after Supreme Court imposed a two-year ban on them.
Rajkot’s bid was won by the Intex Technologies Ltd. while the bid for the Pune franchise was bagged by New Rising.