KKR adds another experienced player to their roster for IPL 2025 following appointment of Ajinkya Rahane as captain

New Delhi: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up for the 2025 Indian Premier League with the appointment of Ottis Gibson as their new assistant coach. Gibson will be taking over from Ryan ten Doeschate, who recently left KKR to join Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff for the Indian men’s team. After clinching the IPL title in the previous season, KKR is making strategic changes to their coaching staff and player roster in preparation for the upcoming tournament.

Following his release before the major auction, Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to victory last year, was picked by the Punjab Kings and appointed as captain. Meanwhile, KKR has announced Ajinkya Rahane as the captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League, with Venkatesh Iyer as his vice-captain.

Dwayne Bravo has been appointed as a mentor in the support staff following Gautam Gambhir’s departure at the conclusion of the 2024 Indian Premier League to take on the role of head coach for India. Chandrakant Pandit serves as the head coach, accompanied by B Arun, Carl Crowe, Nathan Leamon, and others. The rest of the team is wearing their usual uniforms. After retiring from cricket, former West Indies fast bowler Gibson has gained recognition as a highly sought-after coach.

While actively participating in cricket, he was appointed as the bowling coach for the England men’s national team in 2007. He eventually transitioned to full-time coaching and has held the position of head coach for both the South African and West Indies men’s national teams. Gibson has also worked as the bowling coach for the Bangladesh men’s national team and returned to England in the same role. Besides his involvement with Yorkshire, he has collaborated with various T20 teams.

Ajinkya Rahane, with Venkatesh Iyer as his assistant, will captain KKR in their title defense opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home on March 22.