Rajasthan Royals (RR) have welcomed Shane Bond as their new fast bowling and assistant coach, confirming the appointment on Monday, October 23. The former New Zealand cricketing legend, who previously served as the bowling coach for the New Zealand national team from 2012 to 2015, brings a wealth of experience to the table.
During his tenure with the Kiwis, Bond played a crucial role in guiding the team to the 2015 World Cup final. Following his success on the international stage, the 48-year-old took on the role of coach at Mumbai Indians in 2015, where he remained until the conclusion of the 2023 season. His coaching stint with Mumbai Indians contributed to the development of prominent bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
Bond’s appointment at Rajasthan Royals follows the departure of Lasith Malinga, who served as the team’s coach for two seasons. The franchise’s decision to bring in Bond reflects their commitment to strengthening their coaching staff.
“I’m thrilled to join the Royals. It’s a forward-thinking team set on success, and I’m excited to be part of their vision. The bowling group has a fantastic blend of youth and experience, and it’ll be fantastic to collaborate with them,” Bond said.
Apart from his involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bond has also made significant contributions to the coaching staff of Big Bash League franchises. He served as the assistant coach for Brisbane Heat in 2015 and later took on the role of head coach for Sydney Thunder in 2018.
Hailing from Christchurch, Bond represented the BlackCaps in 18 Tests and 82 ODIs, amassing an impressive record of 234 wickets during his international cricket career. Shane Bond’s rich experience and coaching prowess are anticipated to positively impact the Rajasthan Royals’ bowling unit