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In a strategic move ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in advanced talks with Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become their new mentor. This role was left vacant after former KKR captain and mentor, Gautam Gambhir, was appointed head coach of the Indian national team. Sangakkara, currently associated with Rajasthan Royals (RR), is set to part ways with the franchise and is expected to take on a new chapter with KKR.
Sangakkara’s IPL Journey
Kumar Sangakkara has been the Director of Cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021 and played a crucial role in guiding the franchise to an IPL final in 2022. Under his leadership, RR consistently performed well, even making it to the playoff stages in 2024. Despite his success with the Jaipur-based team, reports suggest that Sangakkara has decided to explore other opportunities and is in discussions to join KKR for the 2025 season.
Sangakkara’s wealth of experience both as a player and a coach makes him a natural choice for the mentor role. He is regarded as one of the finest wicketkeeper-batters in cricket history, with a remarkable international career spanning over a decade. His leadership abilities have been recognized globally, making him a coveted asset for franchises looking to strengthen their team dynamics.
Changes in KKR’s Coaching Setup
KKR is undergoing a period of transition, especially after Gambhir’s departure. Gambhir, a two-time IPL-winning captain with KKR, left the franchise to lead the Indian national team as head coach. Along with Gambhir, key members of KKR’s support staff, including fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, have also joined the national side. This leaves a significant gap in KKR’s mentorship and coaching team, making Sangakkara’s potential appointment even more crucial.
Currently, KKR’s coaching staff includes head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun. Sangakkara’s inclusion would bring valuable experience and a fresh perspective to the team, helping them maintain their competitive edge in the IPL.
What’s Next?
While the negotiations with Sangakkara are in advanced stages, a formal announcement is expected soon. Sangakkara’s exit from Rajasthan Royals coincides with rumors of Rahul Dravid returning to coach RR for the 2025 season. The developments in both franchises reflect the shifting dynamics of IPL team management, where experienced veterans like Gambhir, Sangakkara, and Dravid continue to play influential roles.
KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the IPL 2024 title, and the addition of Sangakkara as mentor could be key in helping them retain the championship. With his extensive knowledge of the game and strategic acumen, Sangakkara’s influence could bolster KKR’s prospects in future IPL seasons.
In the meantime, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce retention rules ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction. This announcement will likely impact KKR’s squad composition and their decision-making around Sangakkara’s appointment. His guidance would be instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy going into the auction.
As fans eagerly await confirmation, it is clear that the combination of KKR’s championship-winning squad and Sangakkara’s mentorship could create a formidable force in the upcoming IPL season.