In the Indian Premier League, Gautam Gambhir is expected to be replaced as Kolkata Knight Riders’ coach by former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, who was formerly connected to the Rajasthan Royals. The 2024 IPL champions are in talks with Sangakkara to take over the mentorship, which is vacant since Gambhir joined the Indian cricket team as head coach in July 2024, according to a report published in the Telegraph on Thursday, September 5.
Sangakkara, who has been the Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket since 2021, has reportedly made the decision to leave the team, according to sources who spoke to The Telegraph. In the coming days, he is expected to make a decision regarding his move to KKR. He is also evaluating offers from other teams.
Former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid is expected to take over as coach of the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. Vikram Rathour, the former batting coach for India, could potentially work alongside Dravid at the Royals.
Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun is currently the bowling coach of the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team, while former Indian cricketer Chandrakant Pandit is the head coach of KKR in the Indian Premier League. However, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate have left the team to work as assistant coaches for the Indian team.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a few days ago that Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new white-ball head coach of the England men’s cricket team, in addition to his current position as England’s Test head coach. Sangakkara, who is currently the second-highest run scorer in international cricket, was in the running to take over as the team’s head coach.
During the last three IPL seasons, Sangakkara has performed admirably for the Rajasthan Royals. The Jaipur-based team finished in third place in the points table to qualify for the elimination match in the 2024 edition, where it defeated the team. Under Sanju Samson’s direction, the Royals made it to the IPL final in 2022.