Gibson joins KKR for IPL 2025

KOLKATA, India (CMC):

IN A significant move ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed former West Indies fast bowler and coach Ottis Gibson as their assistant coach.

The 55-year-old Barbadian brings a wealth of experience to the franchise, joining a star-studded coaching team that includes Chandrakant Pandit (head coach), Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo (mentor), Bharat Arun (bowling coach), and Carl Crowe (spin bowling coach).

Gibson, who enjoyed a four-year international playing career with the West Indies, has since built an impressive coaching résumé. He has held prominent roles on the global stage, including two separate stints as England’s bowling coach.

Additionally, he served as head coach of the West Indies (2010-2014) and South Africa (2017-2019), guiding the West Indies to their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in 2012. His coaching journey also includes roles with Bangladesh, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and various T20 franchises.

The defending champions, KKR, are undergoing a transformation in their backroom staff following the departure of last season’s mentor, Gautam Gambhir, who has taken over as the head coach of the senior Indian men’s cricket team. Gambhir’s exit also saw Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate move to the Indian team setup.

KKR will kick off their title defence on March 22 with a home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team will be led by newly appointed captain Ajinkya Rahane, with Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy.