As the Indian Premier League is all set to embark on its journey for the 16th edition in 2023, we take a close look at those current IPL coaches who used to play for franchises a few years ago. These players-turned-coaches, who used to be integral parts of their respective IPL teams, are now guiding the youngsters to excel at their games. As we discuss the names of the ex-IPL players who have taken up coaching jobs, we will also share the names of the teams they have represented in the past. Let us dig into the details now!
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is currently serving in the capacity of the Head Coach of Delhi Capitals. Ponting has played for various IPL franchises since the tournament’s inception in 2008. First, he represented the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008. Later, he played for the Mumbai Indians in 2013 but due to his below-average performance, he was dropped from the team and his captaincy was handed over to Rohit Sharma. IPL 2023 will be Ponting’s 6th season as the head coach of Delhi Capitals.
Mark Boucher
Many remember Marck Boucher, the legendary South African wicketkeeper-batsman, for his match-winning boundary against Australia in a chase of a record-breaking 434 in an ODI. But, Boucher was also an integral part of IPL’s most followed franchise the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2008 to 2010. After the first 3 seasons with RCB, Boucher was bought by KKR but in a solitary game he played for the Knights, he scored only 9 from 7 balls and no dismissal.
Boucher was recently appointed the Head Coach of IPL’s most successful franchise Mumbai Indians after Mahela Jayawardene’s departure. IT will be interesting to see if the 5-time champions can lift another championship with Boucher as the head coach.
Sunil Joshi
Former Karnataka and RCB left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi is probably the least-known name in this list of IPL coaches who used to be a part of the tournament as a player. Joshi played a solitary match for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008 in which he gave away 26 runs from his 3 overs. Joshi has also represented India in 69 one-day and 15 tests. His 5 for 6 runs in 10 overs in an ODI against South Africa in 1999 is his most remarkable spell.
Joshi has been appointed the spin bowling coach for Punjab Kings for IPL 2023. An Indian domestic cricket stalwart Joshi will now be seen guiding the young PBKS spinners in the upcoming edition of the IPL.
Ajit Agarkar
Another ex-IPL player who has been handed the role of a coach by a franchise for IPL 16 is Ajit Agarkar. One of the few Indian batters to score a century at Lords, Agarkar began his IPL career with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008. Currently, he is handling the responsibility of Delhi Capitals’ Assistant Coach and will provide his expertise to the head coach, Rickey Ponting, during IPL 2023.
Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer was a part of the RCB team that played the first match of the IPL in 2008 against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The game is famously remembered for Brendon McCullum’s devastating century that set the stage for IPL. What no one remembers is Wasim Jaffer came to open the batting with Rahul Dravid in that match. Jaffer was dismissed for a 16-ball 6.
Jaffer was roped in as the batting coach by Punjab Kings in November 2022. He will assist Trevor Bayliss, the head coach of Punjab Kings, and the PBKS batters in IPL 16.
