
Former Sri Lanka and Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore has been appointed as the new Kolkata Knight Riders coach for the third season of the Indian Premier League while Sourav Ganguly has been reappointed as captain.
The Knight Riders, under John Buchanan as coach and Brendon McCullum as captain, finished bottom of the table in the second season, taking just three wins from 14 matches.
"After weeks of careful deliberation, keeping in mind the vision and ideals of the team, the KKR management has appointed Dav Whatmore as the new team coach," a statement on the franchise's official website (www.kkr.in) read.
"Instrumental to this decision was Sourav Ganguly, whose experience and knowledge were key factors in the entire vision and decision-making process for the season ahead. Dav will be supported in his new role by Vijay Dahiya as Assistant Coach and Wasim Akram as mentor. Andrew Leipus and Adrian le Roux have been appointed Physiotherapist and Team Trainer respectively.
"In addition, Sourav Ganguly is back at the helm as Captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders and will have continued input in the decision-making process and selection for the 2010 season."
Whatmore was in charge of Sri Lanka when they won the 1996 World Cup and helped Bangladesh develop in their early years of full international cricket.
The 2010 IPL gets underway on 12th March when the Knight Riders take on reigning champions Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad.
© Cricket World 2009
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