New Delhi: The Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday named Trevor Bayliss as the chief coach of their side for the fifth edition of Indian Premier League.

Bayliss, who coached the Sri Lankan national team for four years, guiding them to the finals of World T20 (2009) and ICC World Cup (2011) will replace Dav Whatmore who is tipped to take over as national coach of the Pakistan side.

"We are pleased to welcome Trevor Bayliss as our head coach. With his rich experience, very successful track record and knowledge of the conditions in the sub continent, we believe he is the right person to take KKR to the next level of performance," Shah Rukh Khan, principal owner of Kolkata franchise was quoted as saying in a media release.

Bayliss on his part stated, "I have followed the IPL and KKR's performance and I am honoured to become part of this team, which has already built a reputation as a very popular & professional franchise.

"The team, the support staff, the owners and management are outstanding and I look forward to working with everyone and striving for the highest honours," he further added.

Team's co-owner Jay Mehta feels that the Australian's "personality, his humility and effectiveness will be an ideal combination for KKR."