Vettori to lead Bangalore in IPL 2011

Daniel Vettori who led New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup, has been named the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2011. Vettori, who was in the Delhi Daredevils line-up for the first three seasons, takes over from Anil Kumble, who has retired from the game, but will mentor the Bangalore team this year. Ray Jennings will continue to be the side's coach.

"Vettori is a hugely respected professional not only within his team but among his international peers as well," Kumble was quoted in the team's website. "His unique ability to get players to perform as a unit and deliver more than just the sum of their parts, as he has done time and again with New Zealand, will be a big asset to any team."

Jennings echoed Kumble's views on Vettori's leadership, and also touched upon his bowling abilities. "Vettori is probably the best spinner in the world at the moment and brings in tremendous skills that will be extremely useful on the Indian pitches," Jennings said. "We hope that he will inspire the young Royal Challengers as much with his performance as with his leadership skills in the upcoming season."

Bangalore had a disastrous 2008 season, when they finished seventh in a field of eight teams, but fared much better in the next two editions of the IPL. They were losing finalists in 2009, and finished third in the 2010 edition. They also qualified for the first two editions of the Champions League, but failed to win the event on either occasion.

"We are very excited for the upcoming season," Vijay Mallya, the owner of the Bangalore franchise, said. "Vettori is a highly experienced and respected leader and we hope to ride to the pinnacle of success this IPL under his leadership."

Meanwhile, Deccan Chargers have announced that Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara will lead their side in the IPL. Sangakkara swaps the leadership role with former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist who has taken over as the Kings XI Punjab captain. Australia batsman Cameron White will be Sangakkara's deputy, while Darren Lehman will continue to coach the Hyderabad-based franchise.