New Delhi [India], September 19 (ANI): The India Capitals, a prominent franchise in the Legends League Cricket (LLC), are gearing up for their third season with an exciting announcement: former English cricketer Ian Bell has been appointed as the new captain. This season promises to be thrilling as the team aims to replicate its previous successes under a fresh yet experienced leadership.

The India Capitals will kick off their campaign against Toyam Hyderabad in Jodhpur on Saturday, September 21. The squad is a balanced mix of marquee players and seasoned stars, ensuring a formidable lineup. The franchise is owned by the GMR Group, and they have a rich history in the LLC, having won the inaugural edition under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, who is currently the head coach of the Indian men’s national cricket team. This season, they aim to recreate that magic with players like Dwayne Smith, Ravi Bopara, Colin de Grandhomme, Naman Ojha, and Dhawal Kulkarni donning the India Capitals jersey.

Supporting the team from the sidelines will be an esteemed support staff comprising former Indian cricketers. Hemang Badani will serve as the Head Coach, with Munaf Patel and Venugopal Rao lending their expertise. Hemang Badani expressed his enthusiasm about Ian Bell’s appointment, noting that Bell’s extensive experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable. “Ian Bell brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the India Capitals. His track record and achievements speak for itself, and we believe his ability to inspire and guide the team will be invaluable in our quest for another successful season,” Badani stated. “We are confident of building on our legacy and putting up a strong performance in Season 3 of the Legends League Cricket.”

Ian Bell’s cricketing career is illustrious and widely celebrated. Representing England from 2004 to 2015, Bell amassed 7,727 Test runs, including 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries. He played a pivotal role in three Ashes-winning series for England. Known for his elegant batting style and his composure under pressure, Bell is a natural leader both on and off the field. Speaking about his new role as captain of the India Capitals, Bell said, “It is an honour to lead such a talented team of legends in a tournament like the Legends League Cricket. The India Capitals have a rich history, and I look forward to working with the squad to create another chapter of success. The passion of cricket fans across India is unmatched, and I’m excited to bring our best game to them this season.”

The India Capitals Squad for LLC 2024 includes:

– Ian Bell (Captain)
– Kirk Edwards
– Dwayne Smith
– Ravi Bopara
– Ben Dunk
– Naman Ojha
– Colin de Grandhomme
– Iqbal Abdulla
– Dhruv Raval
– Dhawal Kulkarni
– Ashley Nurse
– Parwinder Awana
– Pankaj Singh
– Pawan Suyal
– Chirs Mpofu
– Barinder Saran
– Y Gnaneswara Rao
– Bharat Chipli
– Faiz Fazal

The India Capitals LLC 2024 Schedule:

– September 21: India Capitals vs Toyam Hyderabad – Jodhpur – 3 PM IST
– September 25: India Capitals vs Southern Superstars – Jodhpur – 7 PM IST
– September 29: India Capitals vs Konark Surya Odisha – Surat – 7 PM IST
– September 30: India Capitals vs Manipal Tigers – Surat – 7 PM IST
– October 4: India Capitals vs Konark Surya Odisha – Jammu – 3 PM IST
– October 7: India Capitals vs Gujarat Greats – Jammu – 7 PM IST
– October 10: India Capitals vs Manipal Tigers – Srinagar – 7 PM IST

With a strong squad, experienced leadership, and an ambitious schedule, the India Capitals are all set to make their mark in the third season of Legends League Cricket.