Mike Hesson Quits KXIP, Throws His Hat for India Coach Job

Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand coach, has parted ways with the Indian Premier League franchises Kings XI Punjab. He announced the news on Thursday (August 8). However, there is speculation that he has applied for the India head coach job. Although the local media in New Zealand shared that the coach has not only applied for India but also for Pakistan too. Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board didn’t renew the contract of Micket Arthur, their coach after a dismal show in the recently concluded ICC World Cup.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Kings XI franchise and wish to thank them for the season I had in charge. Whilst disappointed not to be able to build on the work we did this year, I’m sure success isn’t too far away for them. I wish them all the best for the future,” Hesson took to Twitter and shared in a statement.

On the other hand, the tenure of India head coach and the other coaching staff have also come to an end after their ongoing series against West Indies. However, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for the job of the head coach and the last date was on July 30.

According to Stuff.co.nz, Mike Hesson might be selected as one of the three short-listed applicants for the interviews which will take place next week on August 13 or 14. Kapil Dev led Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), featuring former players Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy will take the interview of the short-listed candidates and choose the next head coach for Indian men’s cricket team.

Although, the current head coach Ravi Shastri is likely to retain his place while Mike Hesson and Tom Moody are the other favourites for the post. Hesson was the coach of the New Zealand men’s team for six years. Under his guidance, the Black Caps made it to the final of ICC World Cup in 2015 for the very first time in Melbourne. Even the Kiwis won a home Test series against England in April 2018 which led them to the third spot on the ICC Test rankings.

However, he stepped down from the post in June last year while there was a year to end his tenure by giving family reasons. Gary Stead, however, took the coaching reins from him.