Rajkot franchise close to finalising chief coach for IPL 9

New Delhi: The Intex Technologies Director Keshav Bansal on Tuesday said that the Rajkot franchise is already in talks with a couple of coaches as that will be their next step before gearing up for the big auction on February 6.

"We have already had lengthy discussions with a couple of coaches. I will not divulge the details at this moment. But we are close to finalising our chief coach. Once the coach is finalised, then we will sit with him and chalk out the strategy for the auction," Bansal said.

He said that he was always clear in his mind that Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja will be his first two picks at today's draft.

"Raina was obviously our first choice and we had no doubts in our mind about that. If we look at Raina, he has been one of the finest players in shortest format and has a phenomenal record in the IPL. Also from company's perspective and as a overall brand with his leadership qualities, he was the first choice," Bansal said.

The Rajkot team owner also said that he never had any dilemma while choosing between Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja.

"We never had any doubts about Jadeja being our preferred choice. Obviously, the local (Rajkot) connect was a factor but we needed a big hitter lower down the order. Jadeja, we believe is a better T20 batsman," he added.

Bansal stated that since Rajkot strip is known to be primarily a batting belter, more all-rounders have been taken from the draft to give the side proper balance.

"We wanted more all-rounders from the draft and that's the reason we picked up both Dwayne Bravo and James Faulkner.

Also Brendon McCullum was there on our wish-list," said Bansal, adding that the name and logo of the new Rajkot team will be unveiled very soon. 

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