Mumbai, August 05: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have delayed a decision on their new coach. After a marathon meeting among the top brass of the franchisee, the team management said the new coach will be named by the end of this month. “We’ve got some fine candidates to choose from,” team CEO Joy Bhattacharya told DNA on Tuesday night. The meeting, held at team owner Shah Rukh Khan’s Bandra house, was also attended by Sourav Ganguly.
The former India and KKR captain was tipped to take over as the skipper again but the KKR management did not make an announcement. Bhattacharya, however, confirmed that Ganguly will remain an integral part of the team. “As always, Ganguly will continue to play a major role within the franchise and specifically in putting forth a plan of action for the team to follow, and will contribute to making KKR the successful sporting franchise,” Bhattacharya said adding: “First we will decide on the coach, then team and lastly on the captain. We will take all the decisions by the end of this month.”
It was the first of a series of meetings Shah Rukh Khan is planning to have before zeroing in on the key personnel for the side. Among those present at the meeting, apart Ganguly, were co-owner Jay Mehta and Bhattacharya.
Brendon McCullum, who led the team last year, will not be available for full season next year. Before the meeting, speculation was rife that Ganguly will be handed the reins of the team yet again and New Zealand’s John Wright could be given the job of the coach.
“The meeting was held in order to regroup, discuss and plan the way forward. In order to maintain the spirit with which KKR started, the management feels the need to get back to the drawing board,” the KKR official said.
Meanwhile, there was speculation about Chandrakant Pandit emerging as a strong contender for the coach’s post. However, the former India player and Mumbai coach expressed ignorance over the issue.
—Agencies–