Shane Bond joins Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2024 as bowling and assistant coach

Shane Bond replaced Lasith Malinga as Rajasthan Royals bowling coach.

Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond has been appointed as the new assistant coach and bowling coach by Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL 2024 tournament. Bond was previously the bowling coach of Mumbai Indians (MI) for 9 years.

Bond played 18 Tests for New Zealand between 2001 and 2009, and he also served as Kiwis' bowling coach from 2012 to 2015. He was a member of the coaching staff that advanced to the finals of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Bond also worked as a bowling coach for Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2023, winning four IPL titles with the team.

It is widely assumed that Bond developed and supervised several of today's fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Trent Boult.

"I'm delighted to be joining the Royals. It's a forward-thinking franchise that is determined to do well, and I'm excited about being part of their vision. The bowling group is a great mix of youth and experience, and it will be awesome to work alongside them,” said Bond.

This also means Bond has ended his stint as head coach of MI Emirates, Mumbai Indians-owned team in the UAE's ILT20.

Shane Bond brings with himself a wealth of experience and knowledge, says RR Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, welcomed Bond to the franchise. Shane Bond will be replacing Lasith Malinga as bowling coach. Malinga has gone back to the MI camp as their bowling coach.

"Shane is one of the greatest fast bowlers of modern-day cricket and brings with himself a wealth of experience and knowledge, having mentored some of the best in the business. He has served in the IPL and in India for a number of years and is well-versed in the processes involved within the franchise ecosystem.

He is someone who has a keen eye for helping the best become even better, and we are delighted to welcome him to the franchise and look forward to seeing the impact he can make towards molding us into a title-winning team,” Sangakkara said in a statement as quoted by Cricbuzz.