Kumar Sangakkara to replace Gautam Gambhir as KKR’s mentor in a colossal move

Former Sri Lanka National Cricket Team skipper Kumar Sangakkara is in line to replace Gautam Gambhir as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As per the reports in the Telegraph, it is learned that the franchise is in talks with Sangakkara about the role.

The mentor role in the Kolkata Knight Riders got vacant after Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team. The former India skipper replaced Rahul Dravid in the national team and his appointment came after the T20 World Cup 2024, which India won.

Gautam Gambhir, who was a mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 and 2023, was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024. The move paid off incredibly well as the former skipper of the franchise guided the team to the title win and helped them win their third trophy. Notably, it was under his captaincy that KKR won two titles.

With Gautam Gambhir joining the Indian team, his absence no doubt will leave a massive void in the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the franchise is targeting Kumar Sangakkara to take over the role. As per the reports, the former Sri Lanka National Cricket Team skipper might take up the role as well.

Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021, reportedly has decided to part ways with the franchise. This comes after the team appointed Rahul Dravid as the head coach for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

The reports also claimed that Vikram Rathour, who was part of the Rahul Dravid coaching setup in the Indian team, will also take up a coaching role at the Rajasthan Royals for the next season. Although the official statement is yet to be made, the change will be happening soon.

Kumar Sangakkara also considering offers from some other franchises

With Rajasthan Royals roping in new coaches, it is learned that Kumar Sangakkara is also considering offers from some other franchises. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders are also in need of coaches as they don't have a complete coaching setup.

Not only Gautam Gambhir but also the assistant coach of the franchise, Abhishek Nayar, has also joined the Indian team. Along with fielding coaching, Ryan ten Doeschate has also joined Gambhir's support staff at the India National Cricket Team.

It is also learned that Kolkata Knight Riders are in advance talks with Kumar Sangakkara. A decision is likely related to this and is expected to be made next week. If the former Sri Lanka National Cricket Team player joins the defending champions, it will be a massive boost for the team.

Sangakkara has been decent in the coaching role in the league. Under him, Rajasthan Royals have been the consistent team in the league, reaching playoffs. If he becomes part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, he will be joining Chandrakant Pandit, who is the head coach, and Bharat Arun, who is the bowling coach.