Kumar Sangakkara in Talks to Join Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead of IPL 2025 - Report

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Sri Lanka legend and Rajasthan Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara is reportedly in talks to join defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

According to a report in the Telegraph, KKR are in discussions with Sangakkara to take over the mentor role vacated by Gautam Gambhir, who was appointed head coach of Team India in July.

This developement comes after reports circulated on former Indian captain Rahul Dravid returning as a head coach to the Rajasthan Royals, where Sangakkara serves in a dual role of a head coach and a director of cricket.

As per Telegraph sources, Sangakkara, who has been with the Royals since 2021, has decided to part ways with the franchise. The report further added that the Sri Lankan also has offers from some other franchises, and any decision on his move is likely to be made in the next few days.

Since taking over at RR, Sangakkara has guided the team to a final once in 2022. He also has been key to some decision-making at the various sister-teams of the Royals franchise. So, it's still unclear whether he leaves the Royals family.

However, the appointment of Dravid as Rajasthan Royals head coach could see Sangakkara looking for other opportunities, especially as there are reports that former India batting coach Vikram Rathour may also join the Royals.

Sangakkara is also likely to be a mentor should he accept the offer from KKR with former Indian cricketer Chandrakant Pandit still holding the head coach role, and former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun still the bowling coach.

KKR also need to fill the slots vacated by fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who both linked up with Gambhir in the Indian coaching setup.

If the moves do materialize of Dravid joining Royals, and Sangakkara joining KKR, it would complete a merry-go-round after Gambhir took over the job vacated by the former. There are lot of changes expected in the coaching setup of several teams heading into the next IPL season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has already named former player Dinesh Karthik as their batting coach ahead of IPL 2025, while Lucknow Super Giants have roped in Zaheer Khan as their mentor.

Delhi Capitals will need to appoint a new head coach after Ricky Ponting stepped down earlier this year. Plus, there is also gossip surrounding the coaching staff of Gujarat Titans.