Reports: Brendon McCullum to resign as KKR head coach after IPL 2022 for England coaching role
Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum is all set to step down from his current position after the conclusion of the IPL 2022. The former Kiwi wicketkeeper has emerged as the favourite contender to sign up for the England Test team coaching role. As per the latest reports, McCullum is likely to replace Chris Silverwood as the next England Test team coach, and it would be McCullum’s first-ever assignment as the head coach for a nation.
Brendon McCullum has the experience of coaching T20 franchises, including Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. The 40-year-old Kiwi has instilled his aggressive approach from his playing days to his coaching style as well.
Brendon McCullum made a name for himself in his playing days with a fearless and aggressive batting style. The former wicket-keeper batter still holds the record for the fastest Test century, scoring a Test hundred off 54 deliveries against Australia in the 2015/16 season.
Meanwhile, English cricket has been going through a tough time in the Tests arena for the last couple of years. The ECB sacked the head coach Chris Silverwood following a humiliating 0-4 defeat against Australia in the Ashes. They appointed former all-rounder Paul Collingwood as the interim coach for the next Test series against West Indies, but a 0-1 defeat to the Caribbean side didn’t create many hopes.
While England’s search for the next head coach continued and many names were discussed, Brendon McCullum now looks like the favourite to take over the baton.
Brendon McCullum has informed KKR of his decision
A KKR insider has revealed the Kiwi has already informed the two-time champions that he will be stepping down from his current position after the IPL 2022 to sign up with the England cricket.
“He informed us that he won’t be part of KKR going ahead as he will be taking up a job as England cricket team coach. He informed us during a team meeting a few days ago,” a KKR insider revealed as quoted by the Indian Express.
Interestingly, England’s next Test assignment is scheduled against New Zealand as the English side will host the Kiwis for a three-match series. Brendon McCullum is likely to kick-start his international coaching career against his birth country if things fall into place.
