Rising Pune Supergiants set to appoint Eric Simons as bowling coach

The newly launched Rising Pune Supergiants is likely to appoint former South African all-rounder Eric Simons as the bowling coach for their inaugural IPL season. New Indian Express reported the Pune franchise holding talks with Simons as they bid to make a promising start to the 2016 edition of the cash rich T20 tournament.

Simons had previously worked with the Delhi Daredevils as head coach during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. However, Daredevils’ inconsistency and lack of ability to close out big matches meant that they found themselves regularly in the bottom half of the points table.

But, Simons’ coaching credentials drew widespread acclaim after he played a pivotal role in India lifting the World Cup after 28 years. His role in the Indian team’s success in 2011 was acknowledged by seam bowlers such as Munaf Patel and Zaheer Khan.

He stepped down following India’s wretched tours of England and Australia in which they were whitewashed 0-4. The performances of the bowling attack came under the scanner after which Simons was replaced by Joe Dawes.

Eric was involved in the Caribbean Premier League

More recently, Eric has been involved with the Caribbean Premier League after he was tasked with managing the St. Kitts and Nevis franchise who interestingly are also making their debut in the West Indian competition.

He has represented the Proteas, 23 times in ODIs during the mid 90s and picked up 33 wickets at a healthy average of 24. Simons will rejoin with former Indian Test skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was selected to lead the Pune team which also comprises of proven T20 performers such as Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mitchell Marsh and Albie Morkel.

Stephen Fleming was unveiled as the head coach with the seasoned Hrishikesh Kanitkar assisting him. Dhoni was relieved to work again with the Kiwi since Chennai Super Kings were suspended for two years. He said, “Life becomes slightly easy with him (Fleming) around. We know each other for a long time.He is a fantastic coach.”

Dhoni added, “His management skills are very good. What I really like is that he is calm like me. It is good to have him and hopefully it will work for us.”