IPL: Jacques Kallis to Follow Trevor Bayliss' Winning Formula at Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders' new head coach Jacques Kallis said he would not tinker much with the winning formula put in place by previous coach Trevor Bayliss, who guided the team to two IPL titles. (Indian Premier League 9: Shahrukh Khan's New KKR Battle Cry, New Team Anthems Make For Compelling Viewing)

"There's an old saying if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Certainly, I will be sticking to that theory," Kallis said at KKR's first media interaction of the season, at the Eden Gardens.

The legendary South African all-rounder, who is an integral member of the side since 2011 and their former mentor and batting consultant, has succeeded Bayliss after the Australian was appointed England coach last year. (Gautam Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders Begin Indian Premier League Preparations Without Key International Stars)

Terming this as natural progression, he said: "It started last season when I was a batting consultant and then Trevor got the English job, it gave me an opening. Venky (Mysore) and the guys at the KKR asked me to take up the role. I've been involved with KKR for six years now.

"I know the set up pretty well. It's a new and exciting challenge, something I enjoy. I see it as a natural progression from being batting consultant to taking over and keeping the consistency in KKR.

KKR has enjoyed tremendous success under the Aussie, who along with skipper Gautam Gambhir has brought on a winning formula, something Kallis would like to carry forward in the ninth season. (Gautam Gambhir, Morne Morkel Hit Ground Running)

"I'm fortunate for the system is in place. It certainly will be unchanged. He was magnificent. He's shown how good he's after taking over the England job. He's doing wonderful for England. My coaching style would be similar to what his was."

Having played a key role in winning their maiden title in 2012, the veteran all-rounder took up the role of a mentor and batting consultant last season.

"Fortunately I worked as a player and then a filler coach so I got to know what works with the guys, most of whom are pretty much the same. Like I say I would not be changing too much but a couple of things to add to my own identity."

Ignored for the Indian team, skipper Gautam Gambhir has not played since his stint in the domestic T20 league for the Syed Mushtaq Alli Trophy in January.

"Sometime coming in fresh and after a break is good. You have a good break away and come back fresh. I see it as a positive. It's certainly very positive and hopefully we will have a good season with him leading us from the front. All the guys are hitting well at the moment. I'm really impressed with the form they've shown. I hope exciting times are ahead."

KKR failed to make the playoff last season and finished fifth in the table and Kallis said: "We were one game away from making the playoff but that's the nature of the Twenty20. You need a bit of luck along the way. Perhaps we lost one or two games that we should not have.

"Hopefully we continue to play some good cricket this season and continue the momentum of the last few seasons. I see no reason why we can't make the playoffs. We have certainly have got the side for it. We have to play some good cricket at the right time.