IPL 2025 Update | KKR Appoints Ottis Gibson as Assistant Coach for IPL 2025

KKR Appoints Ottis Gibson as Assistant Coach for IPL 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have bolstered their coaching staff ahead of the TATA IPL 2025 by appointing Ottis Gibson as assistant coach. The two-time IPL champions, who clinched their third title in 2024, continue to strengthen their setup as they gear up for another competitive season.

Gibson, a former West Indies (WI) fast bowler, brings a wealth of coaching experience to KKR. The Barbadian cricketer, who took over 650 first-class wickets during his playing career, represented WI in both Tests and ODIs from 1995 to 1999 before transitioning into coaching. His coaching journey includes two stints as England’s (ENG) bowling coach (2007-10 and 2015-17), where he played a crucial role in shaping their pace attack.

He later served as the head coach of WI from 2010-14, guiding the team to their historic ICC World T20 triumph in 2012 in Sri Lanka. Following this success, he took over as South Africa’s (SA) head coach between 2017 and 2019. His expertise in T20 cricket has since seen him take up several coaching roles in franchise leagues worldwide, making him a valuable addition to KKR’s backroom staff.

Gibson joins an impressive support team at KKR, which includes mentor Dwayne Bravo, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and spin-bowling coach Carl Crowe. His appointment adds further experience to an already strong setup as KKR aims to defend their IPL title in 2025.

KKR is not just a successful IPL team but a global T20 powerhouse. The franchise operates under the Knight Riders brand, which has established itself across multiple leagues. In addition to KKR in the IPL, the brand also owns Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) in UAE’s ILT20, and Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. With eight major trophies across these leagues, the Knight Riders brand has become one of the most dominant forces in T20 cricket.

In the IPL, KKR has enjoyed significant success, making four final appearances and winning three titles (2012, 2014, 2024). The team also made a memorable run to the final in 2021, showcasing their resilience and ability to stage remarkable comebacks. In the CPL, TKR has won four championships in the last decade, cementing their status as the most successful team in the Caribbean. Their women’s team, TKR Women, also made history by winning the inaugural Women’s CPL (WCPL) in 2022.

Apart from its franchise dominance, KKR has been proactive in nurturing young talent through the Knight Riders Academy. This initiative actively scouts and develops promising cricketers from across India and beyond, focusing on skill enhancement and fitness development. With the addition of Gibson, KKR will look to further refine its squad and maintain its legacy of excellence in T20 cricket.

As IPL 2025 approaches, KKR fans have plenty to look forward to. With a championship-winning squad, a seasoned coaching staff, and a globally recognized brand, KKR is well-positioned for another thrilling season. The addition of Gibson signals the franchise’s commitment to building a strong foundation for sustained success in the years to come.