Dermot Reeve and Richard Pybus’ “excellent” presentations notwithstanding, Wasim Akram suddenly has become the hot favourite for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach’s job. It is learnt that the KKR management (read, Shah Rukh Khan) was impressed with Reeve and Pybus’ presentations. But according to sources, the think-tank is seriously mulling over appointing the legendary Pakistan pacer for the top job.

“Actually, Akram can be appointed as the bowling coach who will oversee the other departments as well. But given his commentary assignments, he is unlikely to be available for 8-9 months at a stretch. So, there is a possibility that an Indian coach could be appointed on full-time basis,” said a reliable source.

Some Indian coaches like WV Raman, Lalchand Rajput and Chandrakant Pandit have already made presentations before the KKR management. Praveen Amre would be interviewed on August 30, along with Akram and John Wright. Robin Singh, however, has withdrawn himself from the race as the BCCI is reportedly not willing to release Team India’s fielding coach for the IPL.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, who is all set to be reinstated as the captain, is tight-lipped on the issue. He, however, admitted that Shah Rukh had a word with Akram on the matter. “I know him (Akram) very well and we have a very good relationship. It was Shah Rukh who had a chat with Akram,” Ganguly said. “But more than the coaches, it’s about getting the team right,” he said.

Ganguly also said that he was hoping for a “turnaround” in next year’s IPL slated to begin on March 12.

... contd.