Jacques Kallis leaves position as Kolkata Knight Riders head coach

Before taking over as coach – replacing now-England head coach Trevor Bayliss, Kallis had represented KKR as a player

Jacques Kallis has left his position as head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, having taken over the role in October 2015.

His departure follows the Indian Premier League franchise’s failure to qualify for the playoffs in 2019; he had previously led his team to three successive playoff appearances.

Before taking over as coach – replacing now-England head coach Trevor Bayliss, Kallis had represented KKR as a player.

Simon Katich, Kallis’ assistant during their time in Kolkata, has also left his post. He has recently been appointed as the head coach of the Manchester-based team in 2020’s inaugural edition of The Hundred.

No replacements has been announced as yet, but the former South Africa allrounder leaves with a record of 32 wins in 61 games. The Kolkata outfit have not won the competition since 2014 despite possessing a star-studded line-up including West Indian duo Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.

"After nine fantastic years with KKR since 2011, as a player, mentor and head coach, it's time to explore new opportunities," Kallis said. "I would to like to thank the owners, management and fellow players for many happy memories."

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