New Delhi: Australia's T20 captain George Bailey will lead the Kings XI Punjab in this season's IPL.
Bailey will become the second Australian to lead Kings XI after Adam Gilchrist, who led this team for the last two years. Bailey has been a successful leader for Australia in the T20 format and Kings XI will be hoping for a good show from him in the IPL this season.
Bailey has the experience of playing on sub-continent wickets. When the Australians toured India in the month of October last year, he was the highest run-scorer for them. He is also a good player of spin bowling which can hold him in good stead for Kings XI.
He was purchased by Kings XI for 3.25 crore in IPL auctions, a little more than Virender Sehwag whose tag price was 3.2 crore. Other Australians purchased by the franchise are Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh.
Kings XI coach Sanjay Bangar stated that Bailey was the only nominee considered by his franchise owners. The important factor which went in Bailey's favour was his leadership quality.
Bailey has already played IPL for Chennai Super Kings from 2009 season till 2012. Since the Super Kings had many all-rounders, Bailey was able to take part only in three matches and managed to score 63 runs.
Bailey has a good record as Australia's T20 captain. He has captained them in 24 matches and registered 13 victories.