The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced the appointment of Shane Watson as their assistant coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The former Australian all-rounder, known for his explosive batting and match-winning performances, joins the KKR coaching staff with a wealth of experience and leadership credentials.

Watson’s association with the IPL is nothing short of legendary. Over a 12-year career spanning from 2008 to 2020, he played 145 matches, scored more than 3,800 runs, and took over 90 wickets. He is one of the few players in IPL history to have scored four centuries and to have played a key role in two title-winning campaigns — first with Rajasthan Royals (2008), where he was the Player of the Tournament, and later with Chennai Super Kings (2018), where his blistering 117* in the final secured victory for his team.

In joining KKR, Watson is expected to work closely with head coach Chandrakant Pandit and other members of the support staff, focusing on player development, batting strategy, and match preparation. His tactical acumen and calm presence are expected to add depth to KKR’s coaching setup as the franchise looks to build on its strong performances from recent seasons.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating that Watson’s blend of experience, professionalism, and leadership will be invaluable for nurturing young talent. “Shane understands what it takes to win in the IPL. His success as a player and his commitment to the game make him a perfect fit for KKR’s vision,” Mysore said.