Jacques Kallis appointed mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders

Jacques Kallis was an integral part of KKR’s success in recent IPL seasons

Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has been appointed as the mentor and the batting consultant for IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), bringing an end to his playing career with the current IPL champions.

The 39-year-old was first purchased by KKR in 2011 for $1.1 million after being associated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2008 to 2010, and when all players were put back into the auction earlier this year, the Knight Riders brought him back using their right to match card. Kallis, who retired from all formats of the game in July this year, however, couldn’t recreate his form of old, scoring just 151 runs from the 8 matches he played.

"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 in a press release issued by the franchise. "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 I’m really looking forward to assisting them in my new role as mentor and batting consultant."

Kallis joins a coaching staff at KKR comprising of head coach Trevor Bayliss, bowling coach Wasim Akram and assistant coach Vijay Dahiya.

"Jacques' commitment to KKR has been brilliant and his contribution both on the field and in the dressing room has been superb. We are delighted to continue the association," KKR CEO Venky Mysore said.

While Kallis’ IPL career as a player is over, he will continue playing the shortest format in other parts of the world, with him having committed to playing for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) and will also feature in the 2015 edition of the Caribbean Premier League.