Ray Jennings to coach Bangalore Royal Challengers

Bangalore, Oct 22 (UNI) Former South African wicket keeper Ray Jennings has been appointed as Coach for the Indian Premier League (IPL) Team -- Bangalore Royal Challengers -- owned by Liquor Baron Vijaya Mallya.

Jennings replaces Former New Zealand Captain Martin Crowe who trained the Royal Challengers when they finished seven out of eight places in the inaugural season early this year.

Challengers Chief Executive Brijesh Patel said Jennings would also help Karnataka State Team on an 'off and on' basis.

Venkatesh Prasad, India's Bowling Coach, will remain on the franchise's coaching staff and assist Jennings, he added.

Mr Patel, who is also Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary, said, ''Though the next IPL edition is scheduled for April 2009, Jennings will arrive here this weekend for discussions and spend some time with the Karnataka team.

''He will come in for a few games to help the Karnataka Ranji Team.'' Jennings, a Former Wicketkeeper, never got to play for South Africa as his career spanned the country's isolation era.

He coached the National Team from October 2004 to May 2005 and was replaced by Mickey Arthur as his controversial and aggressive coaching methods didn't go down well with the players.

He recently coached South African Under-19 team during the World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year.

UNI MSP RS GM RKM BD2100