Aussie T20 skipper handed IPL reigns
His first game for Australia was as captain, now his first game for the Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League will also be as captain, after George Bailey was named to the position by the franchise today.Bailey becomes the second Australian to captain the Kings XI after Adam Gilchrist's tenure for the past two years.
Kings XI coach Sanjay Bangar said Bailey was the only candidate considered for the captaincy from a squad that includes fellow Australians Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh as well as India legend and former Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag.
"He was the unanimous choice. He has got success as a leader in the domestic tournaments like Sheffield Shield in Australia," Bangar said.
"He had also lead Australia in the Twenty20 format. And then the overall type of character he is, who can understand a range of players from the bigger names to ones that have limited ability. We are confident he has the ability to bring out the best from everyone.
"We required a player with past leadership experience. The second and crucial aspect was to have a player who was guaranteed a place in the team for all matches.
"Within that group we would definitely like to utilise the experience of senior guys like Viru, who are bound to perform the role of mentors. But on the field Bailey will be the captain."
Bailey has only played four IPL games previously, and none since 2010. Bought by the Chennai Super Kings, he was left to languish on the bench before being released in 2012.
However, Chennai's loss looks set to be Kings XI's gain with Bailey in a purple patch that has seen him win numerous awards this summer. Bailey was named Australia's ODI Player of the Year at the Allan Border Medal, and has been involved in Test, ODI and T20 successes over England and a T20 series win against South Africa.
