London, 10 March (H.S.): Southern Brave appointed former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani as head coach for their men's team ahead of the next Hundred season, with England's ex-batsman Ian Bell named his assistant, signaling a strategic refresh for the franchise.

The move intriguingly mirrors a recent Delhi Capitals arrangement in the IPL, where Bell served under Badani; GMR Group, which acquired 49% of Southern Brave last July, bridges the teams. Badani, who helmed Delhi Capitals last season—starting strongly but missing playoffs—brings franchise expertise from GMR's Seattle Orcas (Major League Cricket) and Dubai Capitals (ILT20).

Bell offers deep England know-how, having coached the U19s, Lions, and Sri Lanka's batsmen during their 2024 tour. Southern Brave, inaugural 2021 men's Hundred champions and 2024 runners-up, slumped last season, winning half their matches and exiting early; this duo aims to reclaim glory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar