KKR Considering Legendary South Africa Cricketer To Replace Gautam Gambhir As Mentor

Kolkata Knight Riders' team management is reportedly considering giving South African veteran all-rounder an opportunity to take on the role of mentor.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win the IPL 2024 title under his mentorship, has been appointed as the head coach of Team India. With Gambhir's new role, Kolkata Knight Riders are now in search of a replacement for the vacant mentor position.

Media reports suggested that Rahul Dravid could replace Gautam Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as mentor. However, a report by The Telegraph suggests that a legendary foreign cricketer could be entrusted with the responsibility instead.

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To fill the void left by Gautam Gambhir, Kolkata Knight Riders' team management is reportedly considering giving South African veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis an opportunity to take on the role of mentor.

"The franchise (KKR) is also on the lookout for a replacement for Gambhir, who was key to its third IPL crown this year. The name of legendary South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who had coached KKR in 2019, is also doing the rounds," the report stated.

Kallis, a former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player, was part of the Gautam Gambhir-led team that won the IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. The South African legend then transitioned into coaching and served as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders from IPL seasons 2016 to 2019.

In 2019, Kallis resigned from his coaching role at KKR to take up a position as the batting consultant for the South African cricket team.

Gautam Gambhir's first assignment as India's head coach will be the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

In absence of stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, India will play three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs in Pallekele and Colombo during their tour of Sri Lanka in July and August.

The first T20I is scheduled for 26th July, followed by 2nd T20I on 27th July, and the final match of the T20 series on 29th July.

IND vs SL ODI series will commence on 1st August, with subsequent matches scheduled for 4th August and 7th August. Team selections for both India and Sri Lanka have not yet been announced. India's last tour of Sri Lanka was in 2021.