IPL in UAE: Brett Lee says Anil Kumble’s experience priceless for Kings XI Punjab

Mumbai: Former Australia paceman Brett Lee heaped praise on former India captain Anil Kumble and stated the latter will do well as head coach of India Premier League (IPL) side Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).

Kumble last year signed a two-year deal with KXIP and will take charge of the team during the 13th edition of the IPL, which is scheduled to be played from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE.

Lee, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders and KXIP in the IPL, stated players will be helped by Kumble’s vast experience of the game as they search for their maiden title.

“Having someone like that (Kumble) in terms of the mix of the team and certainly the squad will be invaluable,” Lee told Star Sports.

“The knowledge, the experiences, will definitely help. Kings XI need to win, they have got a great squad, they have got a wonderful team that can definitely get close and close but they have not got over the line yet, so, I’m actually waiting for that to happen.

“A great franchise to play for, I put up my hand-up and say that was a lot of fun to play for that franchise.”

Kumble, who stepped down as Team India’s head coach in 2017 after the conclusion of Champions Trophy, took over the role at KXIP after Mike Hesson left the job to join Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as director of cricket.

Kumble hasn’t had any prior experience of being a head coach in the IPL and the KXIP role is his first. He, however, was part of the back room staff of RCB and Mumbai Indians.