Rajasthan Royals have announced the appointment of Ish Sodhi in a dual role which will see the 27-year-old be a part of the team’s support staff as a Spin Consultant, while also contributing in operations for the upcoming season of the VIVO Indian Premier League 2020. 

Sodhi has represented Rajasthan Royals in 8 IPL matches, picking up 9 wickets at an economy of 6.69. He was released by the franchise before the IPL 2020 Auction, but has returned in a new capacity. “I am delighted to be taking on this new challenge at Rajasthan Royals with this dual role. Having played for two seasons for the Royals, I have formed a great level of understanding with all the people involved with the franchise, and they have always been very supportive of me. Therefore, I did not have to think twice when this opportunity was offered to me by the Royals’ management. I love this franchise and want to help us win the IPL this year.

“It is a fascinating opportunity for me, to be involved in the coaching staff at such a young age, while also supporting and learning about the operations of the business. I am very much looking forward to developing my coaching skills alongside Sairaj and learning from Jake on business operations,” said Sodhi, who has picked up 47 wickets in 40 T20Is for the Kiwis.

Welcoming Sodhi in his dual role at the franchise, Head of Cricket Zubin Bharucha said, “We are very happy to welcome back Ish to the Royals family in his new role. The induction of Ish in this dual role demonstrates the Royals’ commitment to recognise and reward young talent to develop into masters in their field of work. I congratulate Ish on his new stint and wish every cricket fan across the globe gets behind the team when Rajasthan Royals kicks off its new season this summer.” 

As part of his new role with the franchise, Sodhi will be working closely with Rajasthan Royals’ spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and Chief Operating Officer Jake Lush McCrum. 

All-rounder Shreyas Gopal, who has played with Sodhi for the Royals, also welcomed the Kiwi’s appointment. “I am so excited that Ish is joining the Royals' support staff this year. I love chatting to him in the nets about the strategy for upcoming matches, developing new deliveries and learning from his international experiences. I think him and Sairaj will be a great combination for me and the other spinners this year. Ish has actually already been a great mentor to me and really helps my preparation for matches. He is such a good guy to have in the camp, so I'm delighted he is coming back,” said Gopal.