Former Australia batter Michael Klinger joins ILT20 team as batting coach ahead of 2027 season

Gulf Giants have bolstered their coaching set-up for the upcoming ILT20 season with the addition of an experienced Australian cricketing personality to their support staff. The franchise, which has been looking to rebuild after a disappointing campaign last season, continues to make changes behind the scenes in an effort to return to title contention.

Michael Klinger joins Gulf Giants coaching staff

Former Australia batter Michael Klinger has been appointed as Gulf Giants’ new batting coach. His arrival comes just weeks after the franchise named Simon Helmot as head coach following the departure of former Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott.

Klinger brings significant coaching experience and is currently serving as head coach of the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), another team owned by Adani Sportsline.

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Speaking about the new role, Klinger expressed his excitement about joining the ILT20 side.

“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,” he said.

The franchise has also appointed Kadeer Ali as fielding coach. Ali previously worked as assistant head coach at Worcestershire and is regarded as a highly respected coach in the English domestic circuit.

Meanwhile, Gary Brent has been brought in to lead the strength and conditioning department as Gulf Giants continue to strengthen their off-field setup.

The trio joins an already experienced support staff that includes bowling coach Shane Bond, physiotherapist James Pipe and performance analyst Saurabh Walkar.

Coaching overhaul continues after Trott exit

Gulf Giants began reshaping their coaching structure after Jonathan Trott left the franchise at the end of his first season in charge.

Trott’s departure led to the appointment of Simon Helmot in May, and the latest additions further underline the franchise’s commitment to building a stronger environment ahead of the new campaign.

The management hopes the revamped coaching team can help the squad rediscover the consistency that made them one of the strongest teams during the early years of the tournament.

Gulf Giants aiming to bounce back

The Giants enjoyed a dream start to life in the ILT20 by winning the inaugural title in 2023. But they have not come close to those standards in the last few seasons.

The Gulf Giants ended up fifth in the six-team tournament after a miserable 2025-26 season, failing to make the final for the second successive season.

The franchise is now focused on rebuilding and returning to the top of the league standings.

Shane Bond backs new appointments

Bowling coach Shane Bond believes the latest additions will help raise standards within the squad and provide fresh energy heading into the new 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,” Bond said.

With a refreshed coaching group now in place, Gulf Giants will hope the changes can spark a turnaround and help them challenge for a second ILT20 title in the upcoming season.