WPL 2024: Michael Klinger becomes head coach of Gujarat Giants

Former Australian batsman Michael Klinger has been appointed head coach of Gujarat Giants ahead of the WPL 2024 on Tuesday. He will replace former Australian batsman Rachael Haynes. Michael Klinger will join the team of former Indian captain Mithali Raj (mentor) and Nooshin Al Khadeer (bowling coach) to help Gujarat Giants perform even better.

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The WPL 2024, which is the second season of this tournament, will be played in Bengaluru and New Delhi. The tournament will start from February 23 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gujarat Giants will take on Mumbai Indians in their first match of the campaign on February 25.

Giving information about Klinger's appointment, Gujarat Giants' Advisor and Team Mentor Mithali Raj said, "Working with Michael will help bring out the best in the Gujarat Giants players. His expertise with the bat is also well-known and will surely benefit some of the younger members of our team. We look forward to having Klinger in the dressing room. We are sure of attaining success with him as head coach."

Klinger has also played the role of coach in BBL

After retirement, Klinger served as the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL for two seasons in the 2019–20 season. The 43-year-old previously served as an assistant coach in the WBBL this season, where the team finished fourth.

Klinger has been a big name in the men's BBL. He retired in 2019 and is recognized as the league's all-time leading run-scorer. His experience in various aspects of the game will prove beneficial for the Gujarat Giants team.

Commenting on his appointment as head coach, Klinger said, "The Gujarat Giants have a chance to do something special in Season two of the Women's Premier League. I'm eagerly looking forward to working with cricketing legend Mithali Raj, who has played a transformative role in women's cricket in India. I hope to take the team to ultimate glory."

Last year Gujarat Giants had won only 2 matches

Last year the performance of Gujarat Giants was very poor. They had to face defeat in 6 out of 8 matches. The team was at the bottom of the points table at 5th position.

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Gujarat Giants added all-rounder in the auction

Gujarat Giants have added many all-rounders in the WPL 2024 auction. They have included Chandigarh all-rounder Kashvee Gautam along with Phoebe Litchfield and Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce. Veda Krishnamurthy has also returned to the team. With this, the Gujarat Giants team will benefit from his experience in the middle order.