Hodge lands IPL coaching gig

Former Australia batsman Brad Hodge has been unveiled as the head coach of fledgling Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Lions.

The former Test, ODI and T20 batsman, who is still plying his trade as a batsman in domestic T20 leagues around the world, will take on his first major coaching role for the annual 20-over tournament, which begins on April 9.

Confirmation of Hodge's appointment came as the new franchise unveiled its logo and named Indian Suresh Raina as their inaugural skipper.

Gujarat, which will be based in the city of Rajkot, joins the 2016 IPL along with Rising Pune Supergiants after Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the competition for two years due to a corruption scandal.

Hodge, who is currently playing in the Masters Champions League in the UAE, held the dual role of captain and assistant coach for the Adelaide Strikers in the recent KFC T20 Big Bash League, leading them to the semi-finals.

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He had originally entered the IPL auction, to be held this Saturday, but has withdrawn his name.

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The right-hander has played for three IPL franchises previously - Kolkata Knight Riders, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Rajasthan Royals - and is second behind Chris Gayle as the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket.

"We finalised Brad Hodge as the team coach on the basis of his successful contribution to the Australian national team and his excellent stint in the IPL," said franchise owner Keshav Bansal.

"I am confident that our team will benefit immensely from his guidance and mentorship."

The Lions have just five players on their list so far, all of them match-winners of the highest order.

Joining Raina will be Australia's James Faulkner, West Indian Dwayne Bravo, New Zealand's Brendon McCullum and Indian allrounder Ravindra Jadeja.

All except Faulkner played with the Super Kings last year, while the Australian was a member of Rajasthan's squad.

The Lions will add to their playing roster at the IPL9 auction, which takes place this Saturday in Bengaluru.

The auction will consist of 351 players, with a maximum of 116 to be chosen by the eight franchises.

cricket.com.au will provide live coverage of the 2016 Indian Premier League auction on Saturday