IPL 2018: 3 ideal candidates to coach Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals, who are set to make a comeback during the 2018 edition of the IPL, will be raring to perform well in order to prove a point. Reclaiming their lost status and trust from fan base will be among the priorities for the franchise.

Rahul Dravid, who was their coach during the ill-fated 2013 season, has now moved on to new avenues. In his absence, the Royals may need a wise cricketing brain so that they can compete strongly for their second IPL title.

Here are three potential candidates that the Royals should look to appoint as head coach for next year's IPL season.

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#3 Shane Warne

Shane Warne led a young Rajasthan team to their maiden IPL title in the inaugural season. The erstwhile leg-spinner played 55 matches for Rajasthan Royals and picked up 57 wickets. He also led the team from the front with his tight bowling which complemented his astute and extraordinary captaincy skills.

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Many youngsters like Kamran Khan and Swapnil Asnodkar were given opportunities to showcase their talent by Warne during his captaincy stint with the Royals. With his aggressive approach to the game and commendable man-management skills, the veteran is the right man to mentor an inexperienced lineup. His familiarity with the franchise and never ending hunger to win games could come in handy for the returning team.

#2 Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting previously served as head coach of Mumbai Indians

With his sharp acumen, Ricky Ponting is one of the most sought-after coaches by various T20 franchises across the globe. Having led Australia in both Tests and ODIs during an extremely productive phase, the iconic batsman is aware of the intricacies within the game.

As a cricketer, Ponting's tryst with the IPL has been forgettable. He scored just 91 runs from ten matches and did not do justice to his massive reputation. However, his stint as head coach played a key role in propelling Mumbai Indians to the IPL title in 2015.

Apart from Rajasthan, Delhi Daredevils are also reportedly eyeing Ponting for the role of head coach. The former Australian skipper will be a great addition to Royals' team staff as his vision and ability to make wise decisions could help alleviate pressure on the fresh set of players.

#1 Brad Hodge

Brad Hodge has extensive playing as well as coaching experience in T20 cricket

Brad Hodge is one of the most experienced and accomplished names in the T20 circuit. His coaching stint with the now defunct Gujarat Lions was quite a roller coaster of emotions. The team, which finished at the top of the table during the group stage of the 2016 season, plummeted to seventh in this year's edition.

Hodge has represented the Royals in IPL for almost three seasons. His match-winning knock of 54 runs from just 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013 is still fresh in the hearts and minds of IPL fans. Hodge's stint with the Australian team was limited as he his career coincided with legendary batsmen such as Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn among others.

The right-hander performed whenever he got those sporadic opportunities. Towards the end of his playing career, he adapted his style of batting to the demands of the shortest format and became one of the prolific run-scorers in T20 cricket.

Having an experienced campaigner like Hodge in their camp will be a massive advantage for the Royals. The Australian's familiarity with the franchise and fan base add to the advantages of luring him for the top job.