Andrew McDonald named Rajasthan Royals head coach

Former Australian cricketer Andrew McDonald has been appointed as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise announced Monday.

McDonald has been appointed for a three-year term, replacing South African Paddy Upton, after Rajasthan's dismal campaign in the 2019 season.

The 38-year-old all-rounder, who played four-Test matches for the national team, was previously associated with IPL as a player between 2009 and 2013.

He made a significant mark as a coach after ending his playing career in 2016.

He coached Leicestershire in English county cricket and briefly took the job of bowling coach for IPL's Royal Challengers Bangalore last year.

This year he won accolades after helping Victoria win the Sheffield Shield as coach, and powering the Melbourne Renegades to the Big Bash title.

"I'm delighted to join the Royals family. It's a great honour to take on this responsibility," McDonald said.

Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural title in 2008, but have struggled since then.

Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals, said McDonald's successful coaching stints elsewhere made him a great choice.

"He is data-focused and an impressive man manager who remains well versed with the rigours of modern-day cricket," Bharucha said.