Brendon McCullum set to be appointed as KKR assistant coach

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum will return to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as an assistant coach. As per recent reports in ESPNcricinfo, the former Kiwi opener has been roped up by the two-time IPL champions. McCullum, who retired from international cricket recently, will also take over as head coach of the Caribbean Premier League side Trinbago Knight Riders that is also owned by the same owners. The former black caps leader will replace Simon Katich in both the clubs.

Earlier, McCullum has played 101 Test matches for New Zealand and scored 6,453 runs with a highest score of 302. He featured in 260 ODIs and amassed 6,083 runs with a strike rate of 96.37.

The New Zealander first played with KKR goes back to the maiden IPL season in 2008 for whom he scored a blistering 158-run knock in the first match. He was an integral part of the KKR squad for five seasons and also led the side in the 2009 domestic season.

The right-hand batsman had hinted at trying his hand at coaching in his retirement statement. “The next chapter, in both media and coaching will challenge me further,” he had said.