IPL 2025: Jacques Kallis Or Ricky Ponting May Become Mentor Of KKR| Reports. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in the run-up to the 2025 IPL season, are considering two cricketing luminaries, Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis, for the vital position of team mentor. This comes about after Gautam Gambhir steered KKR to its third IPL (Indian Premier League) title in 2024.
He gave up the mentorship to focus on his new job as head coach of the Indian cricket team. KKR is exploring candidates with a lot of experience and who are capable of leading since there is a vacuum created by Gambhir’s departure.
Jacques Kallis has been a long-time friend and supporter of KKR; hence, he is seen as a likely candidate. He was one of the players that contributed to KKR winning its IPL titles back in 2012 and 2014. Therefore, KKR’s leadership group may find him attractive because he understands its way of life and possesses immense wisdom regarding cricket.
On the other hand, Ricky Ponting could be another leading contender. The fact that he started badly with coaching the Delhi Capitals did not stop him from later establishing himself as a reliable coach. He always takes his team to great heights. In the T20 cricket format, he is remembered for spotting young players. Hence, people want him as a coach on most occasions.
As per additional reports, there is a possibility of Kumar Sangakkara taking this position too, thus KKR’s decision-making becomes even more complex.
Also Read: Kumar Sangakkara In Talks With KKR To Become Their Mentor For IPL 2025
However, the BCCI is expected to announce retention rules for IPL 2025, and KKR may want to have a finalizable mentor by then. This will be crucial for KKR’s future direction, particularly given Gambhir’s resignation and intention to keep the 2024 title year.
