Reports: KKR in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for mentor’s role

Kumar-Sangakkara. (Photo Source: Twitter/Marylebone Cricket Club)

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for the mentor’s role. In 2024, they appointed Gautam Gambhir as a mentor and the team eventually went on to win the coveted trophy. Soon after that, the former cricketer was offered India’s head coach role, which he accepted, leading to a vacant spot in the KKR team again.

Meanwhile, Sangakkara has been associated with the Rajasthan Royals since 2021. He has done a commendable job as under his leadership, the franchise played the IPL final in 2022 and finished third in 2024. However, as per reports, former India coach Rahul Dravid is in talks with the franchise, which might lead to Sangakkara’s exit.

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Reports also suggest that former India batting coach Vikram Rathour is likely to join RR. Keeping that in mind, Sangakkara has reportedly decided to part ways with the franchise. As per The Telegraph, the southpaw is in advanced talks with KKR but he has offers from other franchises as well. The former Sri Lanka international is considering his options and a decision is expected to be made in the next few days.

KKR already have Chandrakanth Pandit as the head coach and Bharat Arun as the bowling coach but they have to fill other positions as well. Batting coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate followed Gambhir’s footsteps and joined the Indian team. The franchise is also looking for their replacements at the moment.

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The Shreyas Iyer-led side also wants to retain the majority of their players for the upcoming edition of the tournament. Co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has already communicated the same in BCCI’s meeting with the IPL franchises in July. However, the apex council is yet to finalize their stand on the number of retentions and the usage of the RTM cards in the upcoming mega-auction.