DTVHINDI
IPL defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for the role of mentor. In 2024, they appointed Gautam Gambhir as the mentor and the team finally managed to win the trophy. Soon after, the former cricketer was offered the role of India’s head coach, which he accepted. With Gambhir’s departure, the position of head coach is now vacant in the team.
Meanwhile, Sangakkara has been associated with Rajasthan Royals since 2021. He has done a commendable job with the team as under his leadership the franchise played the IPL final in 2022 and finished third in 2024. However, according to recent media reports, former India head coach Rahul Dravid may now join Rajasthan in the role of coach. At the same time, the franchise has ended its contract with Sangakkara.
Vikram Rathore can become the batting coach of RR
Reports also state that former India batting coach Vikram Rathod is likely to join RR. Keeping this in mind, Sangakkara has reportedly decided to part ways with the franchise. According to The Telegraph, talks are on between Kumar Sangakkara and KKR, but he also has offers from other franchises. The former Sri Lankan international is considering his options and may take a decision in the next few days.
KKR already has Chandrakant Pandit as head coach and Bharat Arun as bowling coach but they have to fill other positions as well. Batting coach Abhishek Nair and fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate joined the Indian team after Gambhir became the head coach. The franchise is currently looking for their replacements as well.
The Shreyas Iyer-led side also wants to retain most of its players for the upcoming edition of the tournament. Co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has already spoken about this in the BCCI meeting with the IPL franchises in July.
