Katich secures IPL coaching gig

Two-time Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders have recruited former Test left-hander Simon Katich to their backroom staff for next season.

Katich will be assisting legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who was recently appointed head coach following the departure of Trevor Bayliss.

"It is great to have Simon on my management team," Kallis said in welcoming Katich. 

"I have played many games against him and his understanding of the game is very good. He is a great asset to have and I really look forward to formulating plans with him and the rest of the team to help KKR to another title in 2016."

Katich played 56 Tests, 45 ODIs and three T20Is for Australia before finishing his playing career with the Perth Scorchers in the KFC Big Bash League. He was a part of the Scorchers side that overcame the Hobart Hurricanes in the final of the BBL|03 to win their first ever title.

This will be Katich's second taste of the IPL, having featured in the 2008 and 2009 edition for the Kings XI Punjab. 

The Knight Riders won the IPL in 2012 and 2014 but were left without a coach when Bayliss accepted an offer to take over as head coach of England earlier this year. 

The franchise moved quickly to install former Knight Riders player Kallis as their coach with the South African having earlier been their batting consultant for the 2015 tournament.

The Knight Riders have two Australian players on their roster; fast-bowler Pat Cummins and Queensland batsman Chris Lynn.