Michael Klinger joins Gujarat Giants as head coach ahead of WPL 2024

Gujarat Giants have appointed former Australian cricketer Michael Klinger as their head coach ahead of the second season of the Women’s Premier League. The 43-year-old comes in place of Rachael Haynes.

Klinger joins the squad with former Indian captain Mithali Raj, the team's mentor and advisor, and bowling coach Nooshin Al Khadeer.

Klinger most recently served as an assistant coach for Sydney Thunder, a team that finished fourth in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).  He also served as the head coach of Melbourne Renegades Men’s team from 2019 to 2021.

Klinger attained legendary status as a player in the Men’s BBL. He retired in 2019 and left as the league’s highest-ever run scorer back then. He only played three T20Is for Australia, scoring 143 runs at an average of 47.66.

“The Gujarat Giants have a chance to do something special in season two of the Women’s Premier League,” said Klinger about the franchise who won only two of their eight games last season. 

“I am eagerly looking forward to working with cricketing legend in Mithali Raj, who has played a transformative role in women’s cricket in India. Together with the Adani Sportsline family, Mithali Raj, and the rest of the team, I hope to take the team to ultimate glory.”  

Meanwhile, Mithali 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.”

The Giants will start their WPL 2024 campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians on February 25.