The Indian fans were a happy bunch after BCCI announced the name of Gautam Gambhir as the next head coach of the Indian team after Rahul Dravid’s tenure came to an end. Taking the India job means Gambhir would have to leave his role of KKR mentor. While some reports have claimed KKR have approached outgoing India coach Rahul Dravid, there have also been reports claiming South African legend Jacques Kallis is in the running as well. Here’s why we feel Jacques Kallis would be a better choice than Dravid as KKR mentor.
The KKR DNA
Jacques Kallis knows all about the KKR DNA, having been part of the KKR set-up in the past. He played 56 matches for KKR before taking on KKR head coach’s role in 2015. He left the position in 2019. Meanwhile, Dravid played for other franchises such as Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
One of the reasons Gambhir had a successful stint in KKR in IPL 2024 was because he understood the KKR DNA all too well. It remains a doubt if Dravid would be able to justify the position. Kallis, on the other hand, would find it much easier.
Rahul Dravid may not be interested
One of the reasons Rahul Dravid decided to discontinue for the India head coach role was because he wanted to spend more time with his family without having to travel for 10 months in a year. While that may not be the case in case of an IPL stint, Dravid in all probability is looking for a break from cricket for the time-being. Jacques Kallis maybe will be a lot easier to convince to take up a role in KKR compared to Dravid.
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Jacques Kallis familiar with overseas players
With the IPL 2025 Mega Auction coming in, KKR need a mentor who would be in the know how about overseas players in addition to Indian talents. Dravid’s long tenure as India coach wouldn’t have given him much time to observe oversees talent, which can be a disadvantage in the auction table. Kallis will be a better choice in this regard as well.
Jacques Kallis an IPL winner, unlike Rahul Dravid
Kallis may not have had the best outing for KKR, but he has two IPL trophies to his name, in IPL 2012 and IPL 2014. He has scored close to 1300 runs in 56 matches for KKR and has taken 42 wickets. On the other hand, much like the ODI World Cup, IPL trophy has eluded Dravid. In six IPL seasons, Dravid has failed to win the much-coveted crown.
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