2011 ODI World Cup Captains Turned IPL Head Coaches: A Glimpse at the Transition:The 2011 ODI World Cup remains a cherished memory for cricket enthusiasts, particularly in India. This historic event not only marked India’s victory after 28 years but also disrupted Australia’s winning streak. Much has evolved in the cricketing world since then, with T20 leagues gaining prominence. Interestingly, some of the captains from the 2011 ODI World Cup have transitioned into coaching roles in the IPL. Here, we highlight three cricketers who captained teams in the 2011 ODI World Cup and now serve as IPL Head Coaches.
1) Kumar Sangakkara – Rajasthan Royals
Kumar Sangakkara led the Sri Lankan team to the 2011 ODI World Cup finals, showcasing an impressive performance. Although his team couldn’t secure the trophy, India emerged as the stronger side on the day.
Currently, Kumar Sangakkara plays a pivotal role at Rajasthan Royals. He previously held the position of Director of Cricket and has recently taken on the role of Head Coach as well. While his coaching journey had a rocky start, there have been rumors of potential changes before the next season.
2) Ricky Ponting – Delhi Capitals
Ricky Ponting is another prominent figure in the list of 2011 ODI World Cup captains who have transitioned into IPL Head Coaches. After three editions of World Cup triumphs, Australia fell short in 2011, largely due to Yuvraj Singh’s outstanding performance.
Ricky Ponting is celebrated as one of the finest cricket captains in history. He has successfully transitioned into a formidable coach and currently leads the Delhi Capitals.
3) Daniel Vettori – Sunrisers Hyderabad
Daniel Vettori, one of New Zealand’s most revered cricket captains, was known for his composed and effective leadership style.
After a somewhat underwhelming coaching stint with RCB, Vettori has been given another opportunity in the IPL. He is set to take on the role of Head Coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad starting from IPL 2024.
These transitions from leading teams on the field to coaching in the IPL showcase the enduring impact of these cricketing legends in the sport.