3 options KKR can consider as Gautam Gambhir's replacement as mentor ft. Rahul Dravid
Gautam Gambhir was appointed as India's new head coach on Tuesday (July 9). While reports of him replacing Rahul Dravid were circulating for quite a while, the air has been cleared with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) making the official announcement.
Rahul Dravid's stint with the national team came to an end, quite fittingly, as the Indian team won the Men's T20 World Cup, also ending the 11-year ICC trophy drought.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had brought Gautam Gambhir back as the mentor ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The reunion was successful with KKR going on to lift their third IPL title.
However, with Gambhir now set to take on national duties, the position of KKR's mentor is open again. It will be interesting to see who will replace Gambhir at the KKR camp for the upcoming edition of the IPL, and perhaps beyond.
3 options KKR can consider as Gautam Gambhir's replacement as mentor
#3 Mike Hesson
Released by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the 2024 season, Mike Hesson comes with a strong background. With the team in shatters after the 2019 season, Hesson took over in 2020 and did a commendable job, guiding RCB to the playoffs.
The team made it to the playoffs in 2021 and 2022 as well, making it three consecutive playoff appearances. They narrowly missed out in 2023 but Hesson brought stability to the franchise, which was not often associated with them until then.
Moreover, he went on to coach the Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Islamabad United in 2024 and won the title with them as well. Hesson comes with vast experience of being with an international side (New Zealand), while also serving as the head coach of Punjab Kings earlier. Hence, he could prove to be a valuable choice to replace Gautam Gambhir.
#2 Phil Simmons
Phil Simmons, for the unknown, is the head coach of the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), two franchises associated with KKR.
Under Simmons, TKR played the final of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023. He also brings extensive coaching experience, having stints with West Indies (helping them win 2016 T20 WC), Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan.
He recently served as the 'specialist coach' of the Papua New Guinea national team for T20 World Cup.
Interestingly, T20 stalwarts Sunil Narine and Andre Russell are part of both LAKR and TKR, along with KKR, which also brings in a strong connection, making Simmons a possible choice to replace Gambhir.
#1 Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid appears to be the frontrunner to replace Gautam Gambhir at KKR. Reports have it that he has been approached by them as well and is likely on their radar.
Dravid is fresh from winning the T20 World Cup which gave him a fairytale ending as he ended his tenure as India's head coach. With an unmatched coaching acumen, he could prove to be a great choice.
He carries immense experience, having worked with India's junior teams, both U-19 and A teams. The results have been fantastic, as the country has produced numerous talented cricketers over the years.
Dravid was also previously associated with IPL teams Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils) and the Rajasthan Royals.