Indian Premier League

Knight Riders set to fire Buchanan

In a bid to hit upon a winning formula for next year’s tournament, owner Shah Rukh Khan has decided not to renew John Buchanan’s contract. Many members of Buchanan’s core coaching staff are also likely to get the axe. These include Buchanan’s son Michael, who was hired by the team as a strength trainer, coach Mathew Mott of New South Wales, fielding coach John Deeble, assistant coach Brad Murphy and wicket-keeping coach Wade Seccombe.

The franchise is expected to take some tough, swift decisions in the wake of the debacle in South Africa, where KR, with Brendon McCullum at the helm, finished last among the eight teams on the points table.

Sources suggest the team is keen on someone with prior experience of coaching in the subcontinent, either an Indian or a foreigner. Names like former Bangladesh coach Dave Whatmore, who is now at the National Cricket Academy, ex-Pakistan coach Richard Pybus and even former players like WV Raman and Paras Mhambrey are doing the rounds.

‘‘It too early to say who will come in as a replacement but Buchanan is certainly not going to carry on next year,’’ sources said.

Tags: IPL, John Buchanan, Kolkata Knight Riders