Kumar Sangakkara in Talks with KKR for Mentor Role Amid Rajasthan Royals Shake-Up

Kumar Sangakkara in Talks with KKR for Mentor Role Amid Rajasthan Royals Shake-Up

Rahul Dravid’s appointment as coach of the Rajasthan Royals has triggered a significant shake-up within the franchise’s management. Former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour is reportedly set to join Dravid’s support staff, prompting speculation that Director of Cricket Operations Kumar Sangakkara is seeking an exit.

According to reports, Sangakkara has initiated talks with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the role of mentor, potentially replacing Gautam Gambhir, who recently became India’s head coach. KKR is undergoing a major overhaul of its support staff, with Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar joining the Indian team.

Sangakkara has been instrumental in Rajasthan’s recent success, helping the team reach the IPL final in 2022 and finish third in the 2023 season. His departure would mark a significant loss for the Royals.

If Sangakkara joins KKR, it would complete a full circle of coaching changes involving him, Gambhir, and Dravid. Gambhir replaced Dravid as India’s head coach, while Dravid is now replacing Gambhir at the Royals.

Sangakkara’s potential move to KKR would also align with the franchise’s desire to strengthen its coaching setup. With Chandrakant Pandit as head coach and Bharat Arun as bowling coach, KKR is looking to add experience and expertise to its support staff.

Sangakkara’s decision is expected to be finalized in the coming days. His departure from Rajasthan would leave a void in the franchise’s management, but it could also open up opportunities for other talented individuals to join the Royals.

Gautam Gambhir's Mentorship Key to KKR's IPL Success and LSG's Foundation

Gautam Gambhir’s Mentorship Key to KKR’s IPL Success and LSG’s Foundation

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the third time this year, defeating SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final. This triumph marked their first IPL success since 2014, and former India head coach Gautam Gambhir played a pivotal role in all three of KKR’s victories.

In 2012 and 2014, Gambhir captained KKR to two IPL titles. This year, he transitioned into a mentorship role, joining KKR from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he had also served as a mentor.

Gambhir’s contributions to LSG were significant, as he helped build the team from the ground up. LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka acknowledged Gambhir’s role in the franchise’s success, particularly in the team’s first auction.

“Gautam has played a significant role in building the side’s foundation,” Goenka said. “If you consider our first auction successful, it is only because of Gautam. We got the franchise barely two weeks before the auctions. We did not have an analyst or a research team. It was all Gautam Gambhir’s team. He did everything and put together a very balanced team.”

LSG qualified for the IPL playoffs in its first two seasons before finishing seventh in IPL 2024. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions, LSG appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as the franchise’s mentor.

Zaheer expressed his commitment to serving the team in every capacity possible, including bowling. He emphasized the importance of decision-making and building on the team’s existing strengths.

“It is a team game, so I will be serving the team in every capacity possible, and yes, it includes bowling,” Zaheer said. “When you see LSG, their journey is only three years but they are as comparable to the teams who have played the IPL for 17-18 years. The building blocks are in place and we need to take them forward.”

Shreyas Iyer Channels Sunil Narine, Surprises with Mystery Spin in Buchi Babu Tournament

Shreyas Iyer Channels Sunil Narine, Surprises with Mystery Spin in Buchi Babu Tournament

Shreyas Iyer’s Surprising Bowling Debut in Buchi Babu Tournament Draws Comparisons to Sunil Narine

Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has surprised fans and spectators alike with his bowling action during the ongoing Buchi Babu Tournament. In a match between TNCA XI and Mumbai, Mumbai captain Sarfaraz Khan handed the ball to Iyer in the 90th over of TNCA’s innings.

Iyer’s bowling action drew immediate comparisons to his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Sunil Narine. Like Narine, Iyer gripped the ball behind his back and approached the bowling crease with a unique, mystery spin action.

While Iyer’s attempt at emulating Narine’s bowling style did not yield any wickets, it captivated the audience. His unique action, reminiscent of his IPL teammate, instantly caught the eye of many fans, who were treated to an unexpected spectacle.

The Buchi Babu Tournament 2024 holds significance for Iyer and his Mumbai teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, as they eye a potential Test comeback for Team India. Their performances in this tournament could potentially influence the selectors’ decisions and open doors for their return to the Indian Test team.

Iyer’s bowling debut, though brief and wicketless, has added an unexpected twist to the Buchi Babu Tournament. It remains to be seen whether he will continue to experiment with his bowling in future matches, but his unique action has certainly left a lasting impression on fans and spectators alike.

KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit's Coaching Style Sparks Controversy

KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit’s Coaching Style Sparks Controversy

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have experienced a remarkable resurgence under the guidance of coach Chandrakant Pandit, culminating in their third IPL title in 2024. However, former KKR player David Wiese has raised concerns about Pandit’s coaching style, alleging that it created a tense atmosphere within the team.

Wiese, in an interview with the ‘Hitman for Hire’ podcast, claimed that “guys weren’t happy with certain things that were going on” under Pandit’s leadership. He described the changing room as “tough” and suggested that Pandit’s strict disciplinary approach did not sit well with some players.

In contrast, England opener Philip Salt, who played for KKR in IPL 2024, has praised Pandit’s coaching abilities. Salt emphasized that Pandit “reads a room very well” and knows how to motivate and discipline players effectively. He also revealed that he has a “great relationship” with the coach.

Despite the contrasting views on Pandit’s coaching style, KKR’s success under his leadership cannot be denied. The team has won the IPL title twice in the past three seasons, and Salt played a crucial role in their 2024 triumph.

However, Salt expressed disappointment at being recalled by England before the IPL playoffs. He felt that he had unfinished business with KKR and wanted to contribute to their title victory. Despite his absence, KKR went on to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

Philip Salt Credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR Success

Philip Salt Credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR Success

England opener Philip Salt has hailed the pivotal role of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Gautam Gambhir in his success during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Salt, who played a crucial role in KKR’s title-winning campaign, credited Gambhir’s mentorship for helping him adapt to the challenging conditions in India.

Reflecting on his time with KKR, Salt praised Gambhir’s competitive nature and relentless pursuit of improvement. “He’s a competitor. I could really relate to him from that point of view. He’s always looking for those one percenters that will get the individual and team better,” Salt said.

Salt’s performance in the 2024 IPL was impressive. Despite leaving before the playoffs to join England’s T20I series against Pakistan, he managed to score 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.55 and a remarkable strike rate of 182.01.

One specific piece of advice from Gambhir had a significant impact on Salt’s batting strategy. “He told me to take the game deep, especially here in India. He said, ‘I know you’re going to score runs for us, but I want you to score the majority of your runs between overs ten and 20,'” Salt recalled.

Gambhir’s strategy aimed to ensure Salt could exploit the latter stages of the innings, particularly at KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens. “Even if it can be a little bit slow to start with, I want you to hang in there and make sure you’re there from overs ten onwards and get the big overs,” Gambhir advised.

Salt acknowledged the value of Gambhir’s guidance. “Of all the conversations I had, I think that’s the best bit of coaching I had,” he said.

Salt’s success with KKR is a testament to the impact of Gambhir’s mentorship. The former India opener’s competitive spirit and tactical acumen have helped Salt develop into a more effective batsman in Indian conditions.

Virat Kohli: 16 Years of International Cricket Excellence

Virat Kohli: 16 Years of International Cricket Excellence

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has etched his name among the greatest cricketers of all time. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has propelled Indian cricket to unprecedented heights with his exceptional batting prowess and record-breaking achievements.

Despite stepping down as T20I captain, Kohli remains on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary feat of scoring 100 centuries in international cricket. Beyond his contributions to Team India, Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008.

Despite RCB’s consistent performances, they have yet to claim an IPL trophy. However, the franchise boasts a massive fan base, making it one of the most popular in the league. Recently, Kohli expressed his preference for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as his favorite rivals in the IPL, over five-time champions Mumbai Indians.

On Sunday, Kohli celebrated 16 years of international cricket. His debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, shortly after leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to congratulate Kohli on his milestone, stating, “16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!”

In his debut match, Kohli opened the batting with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. He concluded his maiden international series with 159 runs in five matches, averaging 31.80.

Since then, Kohli has evolved into a formidable batting force for India. In 295 ODIs, he has amassed 13,906 runs, including a record 50 centuries, 27 of which have come in run-chases. In 113 Test matches, he has accumulated 8,848 runs, while in 125 T20Is, he has scored 4,188 runs.

Rinku Singh Hints at RCB Preference if Not Retained by KKR

Rinku Singh Hints at RCB Preference if Not Retained by KKR

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has hinted at his preferred destination if not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mega IPL auction. In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku revealed that if KKR decide not to retain him, his next choice would be none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

“I don’t know anything yet. I haven’t been told whether I will be retained or go into the auction. Let’s see what happens,” Rinku said when asked about his future with KKR. However, when pressed on which team he would prefer if not retained, he responded with a smile, “RCB.”

Rinku, who has been with KKR for several seasons, was part of the franchise’s IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Despite a quieter season due to the ‘Impact Player’ rule limiting his opportunities, Rinku’s potential as a dynamic finisher remains highly valued.

In addition to discussing his potential move, Rinku also shared a good relationship with cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is synonymous with RCB.

“Virat bhaiya gave me a bat, which broke. I asked him for another one, and he didn’t refuse. He gave me another bat. It’s a big thing for me that he gave me a second bat,” Rinku recounted, underscoring the respect and admiration he holds for Kohli.

Rinku also touched upon his experience with Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team and his mentor during the IPL. He revealed that Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, also knows how to unwind after the game.

“He is very serious about the game…but after the match is over, he enjoys himself. It’s not like he’s always serious,” Rinku shared.

As the IPL auction draws nearer, Rinku’s comments have sparked speculation about a possible move to RCB, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and star-studded lineup.

KKR's Raghuvanshi Mocks Nehwal, Igniting Sports Inequality Debate

KKR’s Raghuvanshi Mocks Nehwal, Igniting Sports Inequality Debate

KKR’s Angkrish Raghuvanshi Mocks Saina Nehwal, Sparking Debate on Sports Inequality

Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has ignited a heated debate on sports inequality in India after mocking badminton star Saina Nehwal on social media. The controversy erupted after Nehwal claimed that sports like badminton, tennis, and basketball require greater physical exertion than cricket, while criticizing fans for prioritizing cricket over other sports.

In a now-deleted post on social media, Raghuvanshi took a jab at Nehwal, writing, “Let’s see how she goes when Bumrah bowls 150k’s bumper at her head.” Nehwal responded indirectly, asserting that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah would struggle to handle her smash.

“How will you become Virat at that level? How will you become Rohit Sharma? So many players have to become like them. They can’t. Only a few of them are like that. But I just feel that it’s more of a skill-based sport. And bowlers, I agree. I won’t die there. Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah,” Nehwal said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

“If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won’t be able to take my smash. We should not fight with ourselves in our own country for these things. That’s what I want to say. Every sport is best in its place. But I want to say give value to other sports as well. Otherwise, where will we get sporting culture from? And cricket, Bollywood will always be our focus,” added the 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist.

Nehwal also highlighted the disparity in facilities and support between cricket and other sports in India, contributing to the country’s struggles to win medals at the Olympics.

Raghuvanshi, who made his IPL debut in 2024 and had a successful season with KKR, has since apologized for his comments. However, the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the need for greater recognition and support for non-cricket sports in India.

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir Reunite, Aim to Unlock Full Potential

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir Reunite, Aim to Unlock Full Potential

Team India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and head coach Gautam Gambhir have rekindled their bond from their days at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During a pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Gambhir expressed regret over not fully utilizing Suryakumar’s potential during their time together at KKR.

Gambhir acknowledged that team combinations at the time prevented Suryakumar from batting at the No. 3 spot, a decision he now regrets. “As a leader, you think about the other 10 players as well,” Gambhir explained. “If Surya had batted at No. 3, he would have been a lot more effective.”

Suryakumar responded with humor, suggesting that his full potential could now be utilized under Gambhir’s guidance as head coach. He praised Gambhir’s understanding and shared insights into their strong relationship as coach and captain. “Even when I say nothing sometimes, he understands what I want,” Suryakumar stated.

Suryakumar, at 33, is currently leading the T20I team in Sri Lanka and has reunited with his former KKR captain. Since making his debut for India in 2021, Suryakumar has established himself as one of the top T20I batters in the world. In 68 matches, he has scored 2340 runs at an average of 43.33 and a strike rate of 167.74, with four hundreds and 19 fifties.

Gambhir’s regret over not fully utilizing Suryakumar’s potential highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. It also underscores the significance of a strong coach-captain relationship in bringing out the best in players. As Suryakumar and Gambhir embark on this new journey together, they aim to unlock Suryakumar’s full potential and lead Team India to success.

Sunil Narine Joins Elite Club with 400 Runs and 15 Wickets in IPL Season

Sunil Narine Joins Elite Club with 400 Runs and 15 Wickets in IPL Season

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) all-rounder Sunil Narine etched his name in the history books of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday during their clash against Mumbai Indians (MI). Narine became the third cricketer to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring 400 runs and claiming 15 wickets in a single season of the cash-rich league, joining the elite company of Shane Watson and Jacques Kallis.

The match at Eden Gardens was reduced to a 16-over contest due to rain, and Narine played a crucial role in KKR’s victory. He dismissed opener Ishan Kishan in his three-over spell, taking his tally to 15 wickets for the season. With 461 runs already under his belt, Narine became the third player to achieve the unique double of 400 runs and 15 wickets in an IPL season.

Watson had achieved this feat for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008, scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets. Kallis had also accomplished the same for KKR in IPL 2012, with 409 runs and 15 wickets.

KKR’s victory was largely due to a collective effort from their spinners. Varun Chakravarthy, Andre Russell, and Harshit Rana combined to restrict MI to 139/8 in their 16 overs, despite a valiant effort from Ishan Kishan (40) and Tilak Varma (32).

KKR’s top-order batsmen also played their part, with Venkatesh Iyer (42), Nitish Rana (33), and Andre Russell (24) contributing valuable runs. Rinku Singh’s quickfire 20 off 12 balls helped KKR reach a competitive total of 157/7.

With this victory, KKR cemented their position at the top of the points table, while MI remained rooted to the bottom. KKR’s impressive performance has been built on the all-round contributions of players like Narine, who continue to make significant impacts on the game.

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