IPL 2026: KKR's next coach decided? Kevin Pietersen makes bold prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders are in a deep slump, losing their fifth match and sitting at the bottom of the IPL 2026 table. Despite a coaching change, results remain elusive. Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has predicted a return for ex-coach Brendon McCullum next season.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane acknowledged the tough losses but highlighted positive individual performances.
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders are enduring a nightmare run in IPL 2026, still searching for answers after slumping to their fifth defeat of the season. They sit rock bottom with just one point, which came from a rain-hit fixture against Punjab Kings. The 2024 champions have faltered across departments - batting, bowling and fielding - and the frustration has been visible on captain Ajinkya Rahane and his teammates in the dugout.
Amid the slide, former England batter Kevin Pietersen made a bold call, predicting a major coaching shake-up. He suggested that KKR could turn to their former coach Brendon McCullum next season. “Baz McCullum will be the coach of KKR next season.
Bookmark this tweet,” Pietersen said. KKR had already revamped their coaching setup ahead of IPL 2026, appointing Abhishek Nayar as head coach in place of Chandrakant Pandit, but the move hasn’t delivered results so far. McCullum, meanwhile, is currently serving as England’s head coach and remains contracted until the 2027 World Cup.