Haryana Steelers on Sunday announced Rakesh Kumar, as the franchise's head coach ahead of the upcoming season 7 of the Pro Kabaddi League.
Kumar replaces Rambir Singh Khokhar, who was with the team since its entry into the league two seasons ago, a media release said.
Kumar brings a wealth of experience in PKL and was the most expensive player in the inaugural season in which he was picked by the Patna Pirates as the team's captain.
He has played 55 matches in the PKL, earning 260 points through the first five seasons of the league and this will be Kumar's first coaching stint.
"I am excited about returning to the PKL mat as coach of the Haryana Steelers and am thankful to the franchise for giving me this opportunity," Kumar said on the eve of the 2019 auction.
"It is my first time as head coach of a team and I intend to lead this team after the auction through hard work and discipline to ensure we can take the team to the top of the league," he added.