New Delhi:
Rajasthan Royals have appointed Andrew McDonald as the new head coach of the franchise for the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League. McDonald played four Tests for Australia in 2009 and all came against South Africa. McDonald was part of the Indian Premier League having played for Delhi Daredevils in the 2009 IPL before being signed up by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2012–2013. He was also the bowling coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore. His average of 21 with just one high score of 68 did not do enough for his talent and his medium pace was also not that effective. However, as a coach in Sheffield Shield and in domestic Twenty20 competitions, McDonald has had tremendous success.
McDonald has coached Leicestershire, Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades. The 38-year-old guided Victoria to the title win in Sheffield Shield in his first year as senior coach. The Victorian then moved the Renegades from 7th position to winning the Big Bash early in the year in 2019.
Speaking about the appointment of McDonald, Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals said, "Andrew's innovative, forward thinking nature, along with his experience in the IPL and success in other leagues is why we have selected him as Head Coach to help us drive long term success. He is data focused and an impressive man manager who remains well versed with the rigours of modern day cricket," Bharucha said. Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman of the franchise also hailed the appointment of McDonald and said, "Andrew will be preparing for the season by sharing experiences and best practices with exceptional coaches in other sports and will be visiting India in the near future to meet the Royals team, both on and off the field."
Commenting on the appointment, McDonald said, "It's a great honour to take on this responsibility. The Rajasthan Royals is a new, exciting challenge for me, and I can't wait to get started working with our world class players and coaches in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world."
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Rajasthan Royals have not enjoyed their time ever since they returned to the competition following a two-year ban from the IPL. After finishing fourth and reaching the eliminator in 2018, they were knocked out of the play-off race.
