Kolkata Knight Riders Coach Jacques Kallis Welcomes Simon Katich as Deputy
Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders will have two recently retired cricketers - Jacques Kallis and Simon Katich - among their support staff.
Kolkata Knight Riders fascination for Australian back-room staff is clear. After appointing South African legend Jacques Kallis as head coach, Simon Katich is an interesting addition after Aussie Trevor Bayliss committed himself to the England cricket team earlier this year. (Kolkata Knight Riders Name Simon Katich as Assistant Coach)
Bayliss was Kolkata Knight Riders coach last year when Kallis was still a frontline player in the team. The South African should form an exciting combination with Katich, who last played the IPL in 2009 for Kings XI Punjab.
Katich has already established his credentials when he led the Perth Scorchers to the Big Bash title in the 2013-14 season. The 40-year-old left-hander scored 10 centuries in 56 Tests. He has scored a century in 45 ODIs before he lost his place in the Australian side.
"It is great to have Simon on my management team," Kallis said. "I have played many games against him and his understanding of the game is very good.
"He is a great asset to have and I really look forward to formulating plans with him and the rest of the team to help KKR to another title in 2016," Kallis added.
Katich replaces Vijay Dahiya, who is now Delhi's Ranji Trophy coach.