Jacques Kallis named KKR head coach

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday named South African legend Jacques Kallis as their head coach succeeding Trevor Bayliss, who was with KKR for four years and recently became the head coach of England.

Kallis has been with KKR as a player since 2011 and last year became the team's batting consultant and mentor, the franchise said in a media statement.

The South African has played a key role in the resurgence of KKR with two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, besides the runners-up finish in the 2014 Champions League Twenty20 edition.

Speaking about his new role, Kallis said: "KKR is my family in India and the association since 2011 has been one of the most enjoyable experiences for me."

"I look forward to the new challenge."

Making the announcement, KKR chief executive officer and managing director Venky Mysore said: "We couldn't be happier that Jacques agreed to take on the role as head coach, making this transition seamless."

"The respect and regard he commands in the dressing room as well as his fondness for the franchise made him our ideal choice."