Jacques Kallis Parts Ways With Kolkata Knight Riders

Former South Africa batsman Jacques Kallis has stepped down as the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders. The two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners have also parted ways with some other members of the coaching staff. Jacques Kallis was appointed head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders in October 2015.

He had replaced Trevor Bayliss after the latter resigned to take over as head coach of England cricket team in June 2015. Before becoming the coach, Kallis played for the Kolkata-basted outfit and was the batting consultant for the team in 2015. Kolkata Knight Riders secured Kallis’ services in 2011 after he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for the first three seasons.

In 2012, Kallis helped the team win its first IPL. The legendary allrounder played a crucial role in the triumph of Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 by scoring a total of 407 runs and taking 15 wickets. He was also a part of the squad that won the title again in 2014. It was Kallis’ last season in the IPL as a player.

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“After 9 fantastic years with KKR since 2011, as a player, mentor and Head Coach, it’s time to explore new opportunities,” Jacques Kallis said in a statement according to Mumbai Mirror.

An official from the franchise also thanked Jacques Kallis for his contribution.

“Jacques Kallis has been an integral part of the KKR family & will always remain so. We will be exploring ways of working with Jacques as we pursue our vision of establishing the Knight Rider brand as a global brand,” a franchise official said.

Jacques Kallis‘ track record as a coach was a decent one. While he did not lead the Knight Riders to the title and the final, he made sure to keep the team in hunt throughout. In four seasons under him, the Knight Riders made it to the playoffs thrice. They missed the playoffs berth this season as they finished fifth in the eight-team table.

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