“I am delighted to be back to the franchise that I have admired”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former India pace bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji has been appointed as the Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling coach for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Balaji comes in as a replacement for legendary Pakistan left-arm seamer Wasim Akram, who opted out of the tournament due to “professional commitments and time constraints”.

The 35-year-old played for the Knight Riders between 2011 and 2013 and is now the bowling of coach of his former state side, Tamil Nadu.

“I had thoroughly enjoyed my stint as a player for KKR,” he said, “And I am delighted to be back to the franchise that I have admired.”

Knight Riders chief Venky Mysore added: “It is great to welcome Bala back to the KKR family. He was an integral part of our team and played a key role in helping us win the championship in 2012.”

The 2017 IPL is scheduled to begin on April 5.