IPL 2017: Mohammad Kaif appointed as Gujarat Lions' assistant coach

New Delhi: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Gujarat Lions on Friday appointed former Indian middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif as its assistant coach for the upcoming season starting 5 April.

Speaking on the appointment, Keshav Bansal, Director, Intex Technologies and Owner, Gujarat Lions said: “Kaif is a great resource for our team, who has valuable experience and in-depth knowledge of the sport.

“The experience that he carries of the game, made us realise that he needs to be given larger roles as it will prove beneficial in our efforts to develop the game. I am confident that our team will benefit immensely from his guidance and mentorship.”

Kaif said he is looking forward to the new role.

“I am looking forward to my new role as an Assistant Coach in the team. It will be a great opportunity to work with a dynamic owner like Keshav Bansal and with extremely talented players likes of Suresh Raina, Ravinder Jadeja, Bravo etc.,” he said.

With spinners always proving handy in Indian conditions, the Lions could do with recruiting a top quality spinner, who can work in tandem with Jadeja. In that aspect, one can’t look beyond the No 1 T20I bowler South African Imran Tahir.