Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been hired as an assistant and fast bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. He takes over for Lasith Malinga, who moved on to coach the fast bowlers for the Mumbai Indians following two years with the Rajasthan.

Bond is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding fast bowlers of the contemporary era. In the past, he has held the position of Bowling Coach for his national team between the years of 2012 and 2015, during which time he guided the squad to the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. After that, in 2015, he found work with the Mumbai franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he made a huge impact on the team's performance and helped them win four titles in nine seasons.

"I'm delighted to be joining the Royals. It's a forward-thinking franchise that is determined to do well and I'm excited about being part of their vision. The bowling group is a great mix of youth and experience, and it will be awesome to work alongside them,” Bond said in a press release.

"Shane is one of the greatest fast bowlers of modern-day cricket, and brings with himself a wealth of experience and knowledge having mentored some of the best in the business," Rajasthan’s director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara said.

"He has served in the IPL and in India for a number of years and is well versed with the processes involved within the franchise ecosystem. He is someone who has a keen eye for helping the best become even better and we are delighted to welcome him to the franchise, and look forward to seeing the impact he can make towards moulding us into a title-winning team."