Virender Sehwag steps down as Kings XI Punjab mentor

Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has decided to end his association with Kings XI Punjab after being with the IPL franchise from 2014 for two seasons as a player and three seasons as a mentor.

The Nawab of Najafgarh, as he is fondly called, conveyed his decision through Twitter. His tweet read: "All good things must come to an end and I've had a wonderful time at Kings 11 Punjab, for 2 seasons as a player and 3 as a mentor. My association with Kings 11 comes to an end and I am thankful for the time I have had here and wish the team all the very best for the times ahead."

Earlier this year, Kings XI Punjab had announced former New Zealand coach, Mike Hesson as their new head coach for the next season, who will take over the reins from Brad Hodge who was appointed the coach in the 2018 edition.

Sehwag's decision comes at the time when several media reports surfaced regarding a spat between the Indian opener and the co-owner Priety Zinta. It is believed the two had a clash of opinions after Punjab's loss against Rajasthan Royals.

Despite featuring some big names like Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin in their ranks, the Punjab-based outfit failed to maintain their consistency in the second half of last season and finished in second-last place with six wins and eight losses in 14 matches.

For the first time in many years, it looked like Kings XI Punjab would qualify for the playoffs after they started off strongly, winning their opening five matches out of six. However, suddenly hell broke loose and they ended up losing seven of their next eight matches to finish just two points above bottom-placed Delhi Daredevils.

READ: Rahul Dravid Inducted Into ICC Hall Of Fame, Sunil Gavaskar Presents Him With Commemorative Cap

Meanwhile, former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid has been officially inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame. Dravid was felicitated with a plaque depicting a commemorative cap by another Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.

The presentation ceremony was held just before the fifth and decider One-Day International between India and West Indies being played in Thiruvananthapuram on 1 November. In the process, Dravid became the fifth Indian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Gavaskar and Anil Kumble