Kallis appointed Knight Riders' mentor

Jacques Kallis will not play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL from next season, but will continue to remain with the franchise in his new role as mentor and batting consultant.

Kallis was first bought by Knight Riders in 2011 for $1.1 million, and then this February, when all the players were put back for auction, the franchise bought him back through the right to match card option for Rs 5.5 crore ($916,000). He was the most consistent performer for Knight Riders - their best batsman in 2011 and then in the top three in the following two seasons. Kallis was also instrumental in the team winning their maiden title in 2012.

In the 2014 IPL, however, Kallis' form dropped drastically - 151 runs with one half-century - and he was played in eight of the 16 matches. He had already retired from Test cricket in December 2013 and then announced in July this year that he was quitting from all forms of international cricket to focus on Twenty20. Knight Riders, however, felt they could utilise the 39-year-old's strengths in a better way.

"KKR has been my Indian family for the last four years. I have built fantastic relationships with the management and the players and have been very fortunate to assist KKR in winning two IPL Championships," Kallis said in a media release, issued by the franchise. "Over the past year I have had a chance to think about my future and when KKR approached me with this long-term offer, I jumped at it. KKR is a great brand and am really looking forward to assisting them in my new role as mentor and batting consultant."

Kallis will be part of the Knight Riders coaching staff comprising Trevor Bayliss, Wasim Akram and Vijay Dahiya. According to Venky Mysore, the franchise would continue to "benefit" from the long-term association with Kallis. "Jacques' commitment to KKR has been brilliant and his contribution both on the field and in the dressing room has been superb. We are delighted to continue the association."

Kallis will feature in the Big Bash League for Sydney Thunder* and has committed to play in the Caribbean Premier League in 2015.

*December 5 2.30am GMT This story had incorrectly stated that Kallis had signed with Sydney Sixers