KKR coach job draws 18 applicants

John Wright and Richard Pybus names have been doing the rounds as John Buchanans replacement but the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are yet...

John Wright and Richard Pybus names have been doing the rounds as John Buchanans replacement but the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are yet to take a final decision on the new coach.

The franchise has received 18 applications for the post. The team management is likely to shortlist candidates before calling them for presentations and interview. The process is likely to be completed by August end.

Pybus,who coached Pakistan twice between 1999-2001 and 2003 and is currently with the South African team Titans on a two-year contract,is being considered the front runner given his experience. Other names in the fray include Lalchand Rajput and Paras Mhambrey.

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I cant disclose the names,but yes,we have received several applications. The KKR coachs post is a lucrative and challenging assignment and naturally coaches from all over the world would be interested, Knight Riders CEO Joy Bhattacharya told The Indian Express.

While the players will undergo a five-day condition camp here from Monday,Bhattacharya said physio Andrew Leipus and trainer Adrian le Roux would assess their fitness. This is not a proper camp. After we select the coach,the information will be passed on to him, he said. The players,however,will be restricted to the indoor facilities at the Eden Gardens as the outfield is under preparation.

Sourav Ganguly,all set to be reinstated as the captain,is expected to be at the camp,which is also likely to draw most of Bengal Ranji team players and a few from the Under-19 level. The initial uncertainty over the camp dates has also been resolved with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) receiving the letter seeking permission.