The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most loved and popular cricket carnivals in the world. Over the years, the cash-rich league has provided an excellent platform to many talented cricketers, not just from India but around the world.
While many young and talented cricketers have gone on to become a big name and have represented their national side as well, on the other hand, there are a few legendary cricketers who went on to coach the franchises they once played for.
Here, in this article, we bring you a list of cricketers who went on to coach their own franchises in the Indian Premier League:
1. Stephen Fleming:
The very first name that comes into our mind when we think about the players who went on to coach their own franchises in the IPL is none other than Stephen Fleming. He played around 10 games for Chennai Super Kings during the first two editions of the tournament.
He took retirement in the year 2009 and was named as the coach of the team. Since then, the Dhoni-Fleming duo has been doing wonders for their team. Their dynamic combination has helped their team lift the IPL Trophy thrice.
2. Ricky Ponting:
Ricky Ponting was the skipper of Mumbai Indians. Though, he couldn’t give the best of his capabilities but the franchise appointed the legend as the Head Coach of the team. Under guidance, Mumbai Indians won the tournament in the year 2015 however, couldn’t replicate the same in the following year and as a result, he was replaced by Mahela Jayawardene.
Currently, Ricky is associated with Delhi Capitals as their head coach.
3. James Hopes:
James Hopes led Delhi Daredevils (now, Delhi Capitals) in three games as the skipper in the year 2011. He later played in other franchises too. Though Delhi based franchise lost all the games under his leadership, but he was hired as the head coach of the bowling department of the team.
4. Brendon McCullum:
One of the most memorable knocks played by a cricketer in purple and gold came from the bat of Brendon McCullum. The knock is still etched in everyone’s minds. Later on, he went on to play for various franchises as well.
Currently, Brendon is the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders.
5. Daniel Vettori:
Former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori led Royal Challengers Bangalore for quite some time. However, he was replaced by Virat Kohli after Vettori’s lack of form and several injuries. But he was roped in as the head coach of the team until 2018.
