Kallis opens up about his coaching role with the Kokalta outfit
May 3, 2016 at 12:41 PM
From lifting the Sydney Thunders to a superb league title in the Big Bash league in Australia earlier in the year, South African legend Jacques Kallis has dawned the role of a coach for the two-time IPL winnings franchise Kolkata Knight Riders this season.
The legendary all-rounder spoke to media recently and opened up about his recent exploits.
He said that he has enjoyed the work of a coach in the KKR outfit and revealed that the job of a coach comes naturally to him.
“It’s been good fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I always knew I would enjoy coaching because I’ve spent a lot of time helping guys out while I was playing,” Kallis said.
Talking to the Times of India, Kallis revealed that he is enjoying the role of a coach at the franchise where he was an important part a couple of years ago.
He felt that having played for the franchise and having known the players in and out has made his job as a coach a lot easier.
“Fortunately for me, I know the set-up well now since I’ve been with them (KKR) for long. The transition was an easy one. They are a great bunch of players, so they make the job easier,” he added.
He was also full of praises for the players in the squad and said that he has not had problems with personal egos.
“Being the head coach means a lot more responsibility and work, but it’s been a good journey so far.”
“The players are easily manageable and are without egos,” the 40-year old said.
The South African all-rounder also explained that the role of a coach in the IPL is different from a traditional one.
He revealed that it was important to teach different players differently and that each player’s mentality is different from the other.
He felt that it is necessary for the coaches of the new generation to give their players time and space to improve.
“You have to manage each player differently and that is the key. It is important to find out what is best for each player.”
“Traditionally coaching used to be one rule for all but now you have to provide an environment which gives the players the space to produce the best result possible,” opined Kallis.
The Kolkata Knight Riders are currently in the 2nd place just 2 points away from the Gujarat Lions at the top of the table.