IPL 2018: 3 ideal candidates to coach Rajasthan Royals

#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.