Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has been appointed as head coach of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab on a two-year contract. He will replace Australia's Brad Hodge.
Hesson stepped down as New Zealand coach in June with less than a year to go for the 2019 World Cup in England, saying "he wanted a break from the rigours of international cricket".
KXIP CEO Satish Menon confirmed Hesson's appointment ahead of IPL-12.
"We were in talks with many reputed coaches before zeroing on Hesson. He has been appointed on a two-year contract," Menon said.
The New Zealander will get to pick his support staff and it remains to be seen if Virender Sehwag, who was team mentor till last season, stays on board.
Former players Daniel Vettori and Stephen Fleming are other New Zealanders who have been appointed head coach in the cash-rich IPL.
It was only under Hesson's guidance that New Zealand reached the 2015 World Cup final.
KXIP have never won the IPL and their last appearance in the play-offs was in 2014, when they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.
