The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise is on the hunt for a new mentor. Their long-serving mentor, Gautam Gambhir, is set to take up the role of head coach for the Indian men’s cricket team, leaving a void in the KKR setup that needs to be filled.
Gambhir’s departure is a significant loss for the franchise, as he has been instrumental in guiding KKR to three IPL titles during his tenure as both captain and mentor.
As KKR looks to maintain their momentum and continue their success in the IPL, here are three potential candidates the franchise could target:
1. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and head coach, has been widely reported as the top target for KKR to replace Gambhir.
Dravid has an impressive coaching resume, having guided the India U-19 and A teams to success, as well as serving as the head coach of the senior national team.
His experience in developing young talent and his deep understanding of the game make him an ideal fit for the mentor role at KKR.
Dravid has already been approached by the franchise, and reports suggest KKR is willing to offer him a lucrative deal that could exceed his previous earnings as the India head coach.
2. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is another name that has been linked with the KKR mentor role.
Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, has a strong connection with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise.
During his playing days, Kallis represented KKR from 2011 to 2014 and played a crucial role in their IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014 under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir.
After he retired from playing, Kallis continued his association with KKR, serving as the team’s batting consultant in the 2015 season.
His deep understanding of the game and ability to mentor young players made him a valuable asset to the franchise.
Kallis was also appointed as the head coach for the 2015 IPL season, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the team’s coaching staff.
3. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble is another name that could be on KKR’s radar. Kumble has previously served as the head coach of the Indian national team and has also had successful stints as the head coach of various IPL franchises, including the Kings XI Punjab and the Mumbai Indians.
His tactical acumen, ability to motivate players, and experience in the IPL could make him a valuable addition to the KKR setup.
Kumble’s reputation as a no-nonsense, disciplined coach could also be an asset for a team like KKR, which has often been criticized for its inconsistent performances.
