New Zealand spinner Isa Sodhi has joined Rajasthan Royals as the team liaison officer for the 2021 IPL season.
The 28-year old played for Royals in 2018 and 2019, taking nine wickets in eight appearances with an economy of 6.69, but went unsold at the recent IPL auction.
In his off-field role, Sodhi will work closely with director of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, and chief operating officer, Jake Lush McCrum, to create an engaging environment for the players – a challenging task with the tournament likely to happen in a bubble again.
He will also assist with matchday preparations and creating engaging content for fans.
The bowler had been due to take up a similar role for Royals in 2020 but was unavailable due to a fixture clash with New Zealand’s domestic schedule.
Welcoming Sodhi to the team, McCrum said: “Ish has never really left the Royals family, and I’m delighted he can be on the ground with us for this season. He embodies the Royals way, has incredible positive energy and will add so much value across the board.
“This is a unique role, through which Ish can develop as a future coach and manager while honing his playing technique and leadership skills.”
Meanwhile, Sodhi said: “The Royals are an innovative, dynamic franchise that plays an entertaining brand of cricket, and I am delighted to rejoin my IPL family to work across the board.

“Last year I expressed my interest in exploring the management side of the franchise, and the Royals management team was very supportive, offering me a role to enable me to begin my off-field journey.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the coaches and the business operations of the team through which I’ll really develop my cricketing and management skills.”
Sodhi’s arrival is the second backroom change under Sangakkara, following the departure of head coach Andrew McDonald earlier in February. (The Cricketer)