Ex-Aussie batter Michael Klinger joins ILT20 side Gulf Giants as batting coach
Ahmedabad, June 25
ILT20 side Gulf Giants have roped in former Australia batter Michael Klinger as their batting coach, a move which comes after Simon Helmot replaced Jonathan Trott as the side's head coach last month.
Trott, the former Afghanistan head coach, had left the franchise just after one season and was replaced by Helmot in mid-May. Kadeer Ali has come on board as fielding coach after being assistant head coach at Worcestershire, while Gary Brent will oversee strength and conditioning department.
Klinger is also the head coach of the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL), also owned by Adani Sportsline. "I'm familiar with Adani Sportsline's philosophy through my time with Gujarat Giants, so this is an exciting opportunity to join another team within the group.
"Gulf Giants have strong foundations and I'm looking forward to working closely with Simon and the rest of the staff to help build a solid unit that can make a big impact in the new season," said Klinger in a statement on Thursday.
The trio join Shane Bond (bowling coach), James Pipe (physiotherapist) and Saurabh Walkar (performance analyst) to complete the support staff ahead of the tournament's upcoming season.
Champions in the inaugural ILT20 season in 2023, Gulf Giants have since struggled to replicate that success - missing the final in successive years and finishing fifth in the six‑team league in the 2025/26 season.
"We've got a strong setup at Gulf Giants and I'm excited to continue working with the group as we prepare for the new season. There's quality in the squad, and with Simon coming in as Head Coach as well as Klinger joining as Batting Coach, it's a great opportunity for us to keep building and push standards even higher," added Bond.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Gulf Giants had such a strong start as champions in 2023, but now finishing 5th out of 6 teams is worrisome. Bringing in Klinger might help, but they need more than a batting coach - the whole team culture seems off. Let's see if Helmot can turn things around.
That's a solid support staff - Shane Bond for bowling, Klinger for batting, and now Kadeer Ali for fielding. Gulf Giants are clearly building something. But honestly, ILT20 is still finding its footing; hope the quality improves this season.
Trott leaving after just one season? That's weird. He did well with Afghanistan. Gulf Giants should've given him more time. But anyway, Klinger's experience in T20 leagues around the world should help. Let's hope the team clicks this time.
Klinger as batting coach makes sense - he's a proven run-scorer in T20s. But I'm more curious about Kadeer Ali. Fielding has been a weak point for many ILT20 teams. With Bond already there, this support staff looks quite comprehensive. 😎
Another Australian coach in UAE leagues. 🤔 Nothing against it, but I wish Indian coaches got more such opportunities abroad. Our domestic coaches have so much to offer. Still, good luck to Klinger - hope he can rebuild the Giants' batting lineup.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.