Kolkata Knight Riders have announced the appointment of Ottis Gibson as their assistant coach ahead of the 2025 TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). A highly respected figure in world cricket, Gibson brings a wealth of experience to the two-time champions, further strengthening an already formidable support staff.

A former fast bowler from Barbados, Gibson enjoyed a distinguished playing career, claiming over 650 first-class wickets. He represented the West Indies in both Tests and ODIs between 1995 and 1999 before transitioning into coaching, a journey that has taken him across some of the biggest teams in international cricket. 

His coaching credentials include two stints as England’s bowling coach (2007-2010 and 2015-2017), where he played a key role in developing their pace attack. He then took charge as Head Coach of the West Indies between 2010 and 2014, leading them to their maiden ICC World T20 title in 2012. He later served as South Africa’s head coach from 2017 to 2019 and has since been involved in various T20 leagues worldwide.

Gibson’s inclusion adds further depth to KKR’s coaching setup, which already features mentor Dwayne Bravo, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and spin-bowling coach Carl Crowe. With an eye on sustained success, KKR has continued to invest in top-tier coaching talent, ensuring the team remains a formidable force in the IPL.

The Knight Riders brand has established itself as a powerhouse in T20 cricket globally. Apart from KKR in the IPL, the franchise owns Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) in the UAE's ILT20, and Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in Major League Cricket. The brand has accumulated eight trophies across its teams, with KKR winning the IPL title three times (2012, 2014, 2024) and finishing as runners-up in 2021 after a remarkable comeback. TKR has dominated the CPL, winning four titles, including an unbeaten campaign in 2020, while their women’s team won the inaugural WCPL in 2022.

Beyond silverware, KKR has also been committed to identifying and nurturing young talent through the Knight Riders Academy, which scouts and develops promising cricketers from across India and beyond. The addition of Ottis Gibson to the coaching staff is another step in the franchise’s long-term vision as they prepare to defend their IPL title in 2025.