Pune: Former India cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar has been named assistant coach of the new Indian Premier League franchise -- Rising Pune Supergiants -- for the upcoming season to be held from April 9 to May 29.

Kanitkar, who played two Tests in 1999/2000 and 34 ODIs, is remembered for his heroics in the final match of the Independence Cup against Pakistan in 1998.