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Former Australian cricketer Michael Klinger has been named the Head Coach for the Gujarat Giants, owned by Adani Sportsline, for Season 2 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The upcoming WPL season is scheduled to take place in Bangalore and New Delhi, kicking off on 23 February at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Michael Klinger joins the team alongside legendary former Indian captain Mithali Raj, who serves as the mentor and advisor, and Nooshin Al Khadeer, the bowling coach since Season 1.
Recently, the 43-year-old Michael Klinger held the position of assistant coach for Sydney Thunder, a team that secured a fourth-place finish in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). Notably, he played a role in the development of Phoebe Litchfield, a recruit for the Thunder. Klinger previously served as the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades Men’s team from 2019 to 2021.
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In the Men’s Big Bash League (BBL), Klinger achieved legendary status as a player. His retirement in 2019 marked his departure as the league’s all-time leading run-scorer. Given his extensive experience in various facets of the game, Klinger’s presence is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to the Gujarat Giants team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
In response to his recent appointment as head coach, Michael Klinger expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Gujarat Giants have an opportunity to achieve something extraordinary in Season 2 of the Women’s Premier League. I am eagerly anticipating the collaboration with cricketing legend Mithali Raj, who has played a transformative role in women’s cricket in India. Alongside the Adani Sportsline family, Mithali Raj, and the entire team, I aim to lead the Giants to ultimate glory.”
Mithali Raj, Team Mentor and Advisor, praised Klinger’s appointment, stating, “Working with Michael will help bring out the best in the Gujarat Giants players. His well-known expertise with the bat will undoubtedly benefit some of the younger members of our team. We eagerly look forward to having Klinger in the dressing room and are confident of achieving success with him as head coach.”
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Sanjay Adesara, Chief Brand Officer (CBO) at Adani Sportsline, also commended the addition of Michael Klinger to the Gujarat Giants and Adani Sportsline family, citing his remarkable pedigree as both a coach and player in the BBL. Adesara expressed confidence that Klinger’s experience would contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season of the WPL and beyond.
The Gujarat Giants will kick off their campaign against the Mumbai Indians in their first match on February 25.