Ahead of IPL 2024, the former New Zealand coach Shane Bond joins Rajasthan Royals as assistant and bowling coach.
Rajasthan Royals announced that Shane Bond will be playing a dual role as an assistant coach and fast bowling coach for the next IPL season on Monday.
He has served as the bowling coach for New Zealand between 2012 and 2015 where the side reached the finals of the 2015 World Cup.
The 48-year-old will be reuniting with Trent Boult on the IPL franchise to improve the current core of fast bowlers which includes Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Kuldeep Sen, Oben McCoy, KM Asif and Kuldeep Yadav.
Shane Bond has played 18 Tests for New Zealand between 2001 and 2009. Shane Bond also served as bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2023 and won four IPL trophies as part of the franchise.
It is believed that a host of the current crop of fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Trent Bout were groomed and mentored by the inimitable Bond.
On this occasion, Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara welcomed Bond to the franchise in a statement.
“Shane is one of the greatest fast bowlers of modern-day cricket and brings with himself a wealth of experience and knowledge having mentored some of the best in the business. He has served in the IPL and in India for a number of years and is well-versed in the processes involved within the franchise ecosystem,” Said Sangakkara.
“He is someone who has a keen eye for helping the best become even better and we are delighted to welcome him to the franchise and look forward to seeing the impact he can make towards molding us into a title-winning team.”
Shane Bond was delighted to sign the contract with the Royals after it was announced that he was moving on from the Mumbai Indians franchise. “I’m delighted to be joining the Royals. It’s a forward-thinking franchise who are determined to do well and I’m excited about being part of their vision. The bowling group is a great mix of youth and experience, and it will be awesome to work alongside them.”
The Royals also expressed their gratitude for Lasith Malinga who has left the fast bowling coach role with the Royals and he joins the Mumbai Indians as their fast bowling coach.
