The defending champions KKR, have not had a dilemma over their players as much as they had over the appointment of a new mentor who would replace the likes of franchise veteran Gautam Gambhir.
Gambhir had already won two IPL trophies back in 2012 and 2014 as a player and captain of the side. Later he was appointed the mentor in the 2024 IPL, and the maestro was back with amazing results.
His seemingly unconventional antics surprised many as he picked Starc for a whopping INR 24.75 crore. However, the way Starc played in the playoff games seemed to be a likely decision made by the master strategist.
However, after India’s head coach Rahul Dravid stepped down from his role after the T20 World Cup success, Gambhir was appointed as the Indian team’s head coach, thus leaving a void in the KKR camp.
Gambhir’s exit also meant the exit of assistant coaches Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar, who Gambhir wanted as his deputies in the Indian team. Hence, KKR are now in the hunt for a head coach alongside Chandrakant Pandit before the IPL 2025 mega-auction.
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Let’s take a look at the Top 3 stars whom KKR might appoint as their mentors:
Kumara Sangakara
The Royals’ head coach and their director of cricket for teams across all competitions, Kumara Sangakara, were seen in the RR camp from 2022 to 2024. After Rahul Dravid was announced to be the new head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, Sangakara was speculated to be appointed as the KKR mentor replacing Gambhir.
However, now the buzz has been that the Lankan legend will resume his role as the Royals Director of Cricket for the Royals teams across all global tournaments, which also includes the Barbados Royals and the Paarl Royals.
Jacques Kallis
Protea legend and former KKR boss was seen playing for KKR in their 2012 title triumph and was seen as both a player and coach in 2014 when the team won the title for the second time. Kallis, the veteran all-rounder, is considered the greatest of his kind the world has ever witnessed.
His employment as the mentor might strengthen their strategies in both the batting and bowling departments. He has had earlier experience in the role as he was appointed the mentor back in 2016.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting had stepped down from being the Delhi Capitals mentor after the 2024 IPL season. However, he has often shown interest in returning to the IPL as a coach or a mentor.
Ponting was earlier seen as the Mumbai Indians coach and then later in the Delhi hut as well. The 2-times World Cup-winning skipper for Australia is known to be one of the world’s finest cricket strategists.
Though nothing has been official, the Kolkata Knight Riders are looking to fancy their chances before the IPL 2025 auction, as he might seek a crucial place.
