Image Credit- CA
Ahead of the WPL 2024 season, Michael Klinger, a
former batter for Australia, has been designated the Gujarat Giants’ new head
coach. Klinger takes over for former Australia hitter Rachael Haynes in the
position, and she will now collaborate with mentor Mithali Raj and bowling
coach Nooshin Al Khadeer.
“Working with Michael will help bring out the
best in the Gujarat Giants players,” Raj said about the appointment.
“His expertise with the bat is also well-known, and will surely benefit
some of the younger members of our team. We look forward to having Klinger in
the dressing room. We are sure of attaining success with him as head
coach.”
Following his retirement from competition, Klinger
served as head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL for two seasons
beginning in 2019–20. Most recently, he served as assistant coach of the Sydney
Thunder in the WBBL, where the team placed fourth. Klinger expressed his desire
to lead the Giants to “the ultimate glory” in a statement.
Klinger’s appointment as coach was announced a little
more than two weeks before the WPL’s second season, which begins on February
23. The Giants concluded last season among the five teams, having lost six of
their eight games under Haynes’ coaching. Their chosen captain, Beth Mooney,
was also absent because of an injury sustained very early in the campaign.
But in the run-up to the next WPL season, Giants had a
promising auction. They brought in an express fast bowler in Kashvee Gautam and
a gun batsman in the form of various all-round possibilities. The Giants also
chose Phoebe Litchfield, who has previously collaborated extensively with
Klinger. The Giants can also field five foreign players in their starting
eleven by selecting Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce, who is from an
Associate nation. Veda Krishnamurthy’s unexpected return provides them with experience
in the middle order.
The Giants’ opening WPL 2024 matchup is with the
Mumbai Indians on February 25.