Former Indian opener WV Raman joins Kolkata Knight Riders as batting coach

WV Raman

Former India opener WV Raman has been appointed the batting coach of Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2014 IPL season.

Raman, who has had prior coaching experience with the Tamil Nadu and Bengal Ranji Trophy teams, was the batting coach for Kings XI Punjab for the 2013 edition of the IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed the appointment of Raman as their batting coach last night via their official twitter account.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of @WVRaman as our batting coach!

— Kol Knight Riders (@KKRiders) January 22, 2014

Raman, who played 11 Tests and 27 ODIs for India between 1988 and 1997, is currently the coach of Tamil Nadu, also his home state.

Raman will join the support staff of the Kolkata Knight Riders which includes the likes of Treveor Bayliss(Coach), Vijay Dahiya(Assistant Coach), Brett Lee(Mentor), Andrew Leipus(Physio), Trevor Penney(Fielding Coach), Rudi Webster(Mental Skills Coach) among others.

Kolkata finished 3rd from bottom in the 2013 IPL season after having entered the tournament as defending champions. The franchise will hope the new appointment will enable a turnaround in their fortunes for this year’s IPL.