After two unimpressive seasons, off-the-field controversies and a string of spats within the team, Kolkata Knight Riders have decided to hand over the captaincy back to Sourav Ganguly.

The former Indian captain and Kolkata’s favourite sporting icon is officially back at the helm of the high-profile IPL franchise. The decision, which was officially announced by the team owners and its management on Friday, is a massive boost for Ganguly, who had been sidelined in the last edition of the Twenty20 carnival in South Africa in April-May this year. New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum had been given the captain’s band then.

In a statement, the KKR top brass have announced Ganguly as the unanimous choice for skipper for next year, while Australian Dav Whatmore will take charge as chief coach, replacing John Buchanan. “Sourav Ganguly is back at the helm as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders and will have continued input in the decision-making process and selection for the 2010 season,” the statement read.

KKR, who were sixth in the inaugural IPL edition, finishing at the bottom of the eight-team pool. The third IPL will be held in March-April next year, and the team are relying on the combination of Ganguly, Whatmore and Wasim Akram, who has been appointed as the mentor and bowling coach. Ganguly appreciated the move, saying: “I am excited at the prospect of working with Dav and the entire team closely, in addition to playing at our home ground once again.”