The big story: Sehwag to replace Bangar as Kings XI coach

Kings XI Punjab are looking to rope in Virender Sehwag as a replacement for Sanjay Bangar, who is reported to have quit from his role as coach of the India Premier League outfit, The Times of India reported.

Sehwag has been the team’s mentor for the past two years. Bangar, who is also the current batting coach of the Indian team, was put in charge of the IPL side in 2014. After a spate of losses last season, Bangar was reported to have had an argument with team co-owner and Bollywood actor Preity Zinta. Kings XI had finished at the bottom of the league table last season.

Earlier this week, Kings XI had released former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, South African Kyle Abbott and all-rounder Rishi Dhawan.

Other top stories

  1. Security has been increased at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for Monday’s second Test between Australia and Pakistan in light of a foiled terror plot in the city. “We know there’s lot of events on over the next several days right across our state, including the Boxing Day Test, Christmas carols, other events that are on,” chief police commissioner Graham Ashton said. “There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat whatsoever in relation to any of those events. However we’re just making sure we’re taking those extra precautions,” he added.
  2. Board of Control for Cricket in India President Anurag Thakur on Friday lashed out at the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Lodha pommittee and its reforms, stating that the current situation is “not in the best interest of cricketers”.
  3. Karun Nair and KL Rahul were dismissed cheaply as Karnataka were bowled out for just 88 against Tamil Nadu in their Ranji Trophy quarter-final in Vizag on Friday. Aswin Crist picked a six-wicket haul as Tamil Nadu took the upper-hand on the opening day of the contest.
  4. India won the Under-19 Asia Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 34 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, on Friday evening. The Indian colts opted to bat first after winning the toss and scored 273/8 in 50 overs. Himanshu Rana top-scored with 71 runs, with Shubman Gill being the second-highest run getter (70).