Sourav to lead Knight Riders, Whatmore appointed coach

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Friday announced that former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly will lead the side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season-III next year, replacing New Zealand's Brendon McCullum.

The management in a statement also appointed Australian Dav Whatmore as the new coach.

"Sourav Ganguly is back at the helm as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders and will have continued input in the decision-making process and selection for the 2010 season. The KKR management has appointed Whatmore as the new coach," the statement said, adding that Ganguly was instrumental to this decision.

Delhi coach Vijay Dahiya will be Whatmore's assistant while former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram will be the team's mentor. Andrew Leipus and Adrian le Roux have been appointed physio-therapist and trainer.

"The KKR management also maintains that Sourav's position as captain is not merely ceremonial and he will be the driving force to create and shape the cricket team ahead of the next season and will be responsible for all cricket related decisions with regards to the 2010 season," it pointed out.

"Whatmore has the right vision not only for the team, but for each of the players, and for the franchise as a whole. He is very aware of our current position in the IPL and knows that there is only one way to go now - up," KKR's co-owner Jay Mehta said.

Whatmore led Sri Lanka to World Cup win in 1996 and also coached Bangladesh to their first Test victory in 2005. He was also in fray for the post of India team's coach but was appointed the director of cricket operations at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore for the past two years.

"I am optimistic about the season ahead and have the utmost faith in Sourav, the team, and KKR management, and look forward to a successful tournament," Whatmore said.

Last updated on Nov 6^th, 2009 at 18:59 pm IST--IANS