Mumbai: After four seasons as player, celebrated South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis will now be seen as a mentor and batting consultant for IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
"Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced today that the legendary Jacques Kallis has decided to continue his association with the franchise in a different role as a Mentor and batting consultant," the franchise said in statement.
Kallis has been with KKR for four years from 2011 and played a big role in KKR's Success as IPL champions in 2012 and 2014 as well as runner-up in the Champions League T20, 2014.
"KKR has been my Indian family for the last four years. I have built fantastic relationships with the management and the players and have been very fortunate to assist KKR in winning two IPL Championships," Kallis said.
"Over the past year I have had a chance to think about my future and when KKR approached me with this long-term offer, I jumped at it. KKR is a great brand and am really looking forward to assisting them in my new role as mentor &batting consultant."
Kallis said he would continue playing in leagues outside.
"I had signed a two year contract with Sydney Thunder for 2014 and 2015 and have also committed to playing in The Caribbean Premier League next year. These commitments were made prior to concluding my new role with KKR," he said.
Commenting on this development, Venky Mysore, CEO and MD of KKR said, "We are honored to start a long-term relationship with Jacques in a different role as mentor and batting consultant and benefit from everything he brings to KKR.
