- July 31, 2025
There’s never a dull moment in the IPL world, especially when it comes to Kolkata Knight Riders. After an up-and-down couple of years, which included a shocking IPL title in 2024 and a playoff collapse in 2025, KKR are once again making waves. This time, it’s the head coach Chandrakant Pandit‘s exit that has supporters talking. There are three names circling back into the conversation, and all of them are good candidates. Let’s analyze the candidates – ft. a familiar face in Eoin Morgan.
Bravo’s Audition Is Already Underway
If you’ve followed the Knight Riders group across the globe—India, the Caribbean, or even the U.S.—you’ve probably noticed one recurring figure: Dwayne Bravo. The West Indian all-rounder is slowly but surely building a coaching résumé, and it just might be time for his biggest promotion yet.
Bravo already has the trust of the franchise. He mentored KKR in 2025 and was recently named head coach of both Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL) and LA Knight Riders (MLC). What makes Bravo such an intriguing pick is his deep understanding of T20 dynamics, especially from a player’s point of view. He knows how to manage egos, bring energy, and build that winning Caribbean-style camaraderie.
So, he may not have a huge coaching history in the IPL yet, but that is exactly what KKR could be banking on – a fresh, energetic voice who can relate to younger players and quickly adjust. And if anybody can manage pressure during high-stakes moments, it is DJ Bravo.
Eoin Morgan: The Mastermind Waiting in the Wings
Let us be honest! If strategy were currency, KKR fans would happily mint Eoin Morgan’s face on every coin. The captain of England’s victorious 2019 World Cup team must have at least had a fair amount of reputation as level-headed and possessing a sharp cricket brain; no one on the planet can rival his thought processes involved in white-ball cricket. After leading KKR to the IPL finals in 2021, which they did not win, the previous year’s success will serve as a reminder.
Morgan hasn’t jumped into coaching right away after retirement, but the signals are all there. In 2024, he admitted he had been approached for England’s white-ball head coach role but declined, citing family commitments. A year later, with more time passed and coaching experience on the radar, Morgan might just be ready for his second innings with KKR—this time from the dugout.
Shane Watson: Experience, Firepower, and IPL Know-How
Don’t underestimate Shane Watson, though. While he may not have as deep a connection to KKR as Bravo, or as sentimental a connection as Morgan, his resume is thus far quietly continuing to grow. Watson has been part of Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach and then with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket, so he has shown he can steer teams through pressure situations.
Indeed, Watson led the Unicorns to the MLC final in 2024 and the Eliminator in 2025. He may still be learning the ropes, but his résumé’s swinging like it’s ready for the big leagues. What makes Watson attractive is this combination of approach and game awareness. He has played IPL matches, and he understands the subtleties of different roles–managing power-hitters, working with pace-heavy teams, or supporting all-rounders.
At a time when KKR wants to turn the page post-Chandrakant Pandit, they have three very interesting coaching candidates in front of them. Bravo brings the beat, Morgan brings the brain, and Watson brings the big-match Zen only legends possess.
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