Dips Patel Returns To Trent Rocket For The Hundred

Leicestershire CCC’s Dips Patel will head back to The Hundred this month, returning to defending champions Trent Rockets for the 2023 iteration.

Patel was part of the coaching setup for the Men’s side that finished as group stage champions, before beating Manchester Originals by two wickets in the showpiece final at Lord’s last September.

The Foxes’ Second XI Head Coach will work as an Assistant Coach alongside the likes of Joe Root, Alex Hales and Dawid Malan, who are all contracted to Trent Rockets for the upcoming campaign.

The Rockets, led by Andy Flower, kick off the tournament this evening at Trent Bridge (Tuesday, 1 August) against Rehan Ahmed’s Southern Brave side.

Patel has steered Leicestershire’s 2s to second place in the Second Eleven Championship table this summer, enjoying an unbeaten campaign to date. Following victory over Northants last week, the side trail leaders Lancashire by 25 points with two games in hand.

Discussing his return to Trent Rockets for August, Patel said: “I really enjoyed my time in The Hundred last year and I’m looking forward to spending another tournament with the Trent Rockets.

“It was great to test myself in a different environment and in a different coaching capacity, as well as being able to learn from international players and relay that knowledge back to Leicestershire.

“I relished being in a pressurised situation, out of my comfort zone, and challenging myself in a different format.

“There was an incredible buzz around the competition. The energy from the crowd was amazing and winning a Lord’s final was one of the highlights of my coaching career.”