Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji as their bowling coach ahead of the 10th edition of the franchise-based T20 league.

Balaji represented India in eight Tests, 30 ODIs and 5 T20Is, and was immensely popular with fans during his appearances as an international cricketer. He had retired from first-class cricket in September last year.

The 35-year-old enjoyed a three-year stint with KKR, playing a part in the franchise’s first IPL triumph in 2012. He had featured in eight matches that season, picking up 11 wickets at an economy of less than six.

Balaji replaces legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram who had pulled out of IPL 2017 due to “professional commitments and time constraints”.

IPL 2017 is currently under a cloud after BCCI President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke were sacked from their positions by the Supreme Court of India on Monday.