Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ended a 10-year Indian Premier League (IPL) title drought earlier this season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a one-sided final. KKR’s previous title came in 2014 under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. Interestingly, Gambhir returned to KKR ahead of IPL 2024 as a mentor, having joined from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, just months after KKR’s triumph, Gambhir left the role to become the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team in July.
Gambhir also brought KKR support staff members Abhishek Nair and Ryan ten Doeschate with him to the Indian team as assistant coaches. Despite Gambhir’s departure, KKR has already started the process of finding his replacement, who will work alongside head coach Chandrakant Pandit.
According to Sangbad Pratidin, KKR is interested in bringing back franchise legend Jacques Kallis as mentor. Kallis previously served KKR as head coach in 2015 and batting consultant during the same year. He played a crucial role during Gambhir’s leadership in KKR’s championship victories in 2012 and 2014.
Reports suggest KKR is also exploring options such as Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara. While Ponting left his role as head coach of Delhi Capitals earlier this year, Sangakkara is likely to stay with Rajasthan Royals, where Rahul Dravid has recently joined as head coach.
