Photo: Twitter/@klrahul11

Season 13 of the Dream11 Indian Premier League will see a new look Kings XI Punjab take the field, with a change in captaincy and backroom management for the franchise. Despite the changes in the team though, Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul will have a familiar face in the coaching staff this time around, that of former Indian captain Anil Kumble.

“To have someone like Anil Bhai around helps me immensely this season. I share a very good relationship with him off the field, coming from the same state,” said KL Rahul in an interview to the IPL website.

“I think he (Kumble) will make my life as captain very easy. I know that he would be doing most of the planning and I just have to go out there and carry out the plans,” added the 28-year-old.

Rahul’s thoughts on Kumble were echoed by Kings XI Punjab’s assistant coach Andy Flower as well. “Knowing Anil, his plans will be set and well thought out, and he will be taking care of a squad that’s definitely going to be ready for their first game,” said Flower in a separate interview to a leading Indian publication.

Well-rounded squad

The KXIP skipper in that same interview touched upon his team being balanced and believes that they have all bases covered after acquiring Glenn Maxwell and a few others in the auction.

“Maxi has been with Kings XI before and has had a successful run with the team. He was one player we were very clear we needed going into the auctions. On a given day, he will take down any bowling attack and we’ve felt that the last couple of seasons we have missed that impact player in the middle order,” said Rahul.

The tattooed opener also stressed on the importance of Chris Gayle up top for KXIP. “I have played for several years with him and share a great friendship with him. He’s a great guy to have in our team. He will be part of our core group and with the kind of experience he has, he will definitely be somebody that wins a lot of games for us,” explained the opening batsman.

“Looking forward to the 2020 season, it's not like a usual IPL season, it is going to be very different for all of us. I am excited about that. I hope we can make this season count and win a lot of games for the team,” concluded Rahul.