New Delhi, Nov. 6: Sourav Ganguly is back at the helm of the Kolkata Knight Riders for Season Three of the Indian Premier League. After a dismal show in IPL-2 — where the Shah Rukh owned franchise finished last — the KKR management decided to appoint Ganguly as skipper replacing New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum.

Simultaneously, the team also confirmed the IPL’s worst-kept secret, naming Australian Dav Whatmore their new coach with former Delhi wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya as his assistant coach. Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram will be the mentor of the side and Adrian Le Roux is the physiotherapist.

Ganguly, who played an important role in the overhauling of the beleaguered team, said, "KKR are looking forward to an exciting and successful season ahead with the new appointments and strategies in place.

"I am excited at the prospect of working with Dav and the entire team closely, in addition to playing at our home ground once again."

Meanwhile, Delhi Ranji coach Dahiya said that it was an honour to be associated with Ganguly’s side in IPL. "It is a fantastic opportunity for me. But it comes with a challenge and we’ll try out best to turn around the fortunes of the team," Dahiya told this newspaper from Baroda.

The KKR team had a short camp in Gurgaon last month to identify some youngsters for the next season.

"It is too early to predict how the team will shape up. We have identified some youngsters and they benefitted a lot from Akram’s inputs during the camp," he added.

The 36-year-old stumper made his Test and ODI debuts under the leadership of Ganguly and considers his re-appointment a positive move.

"Sourav has been a fantastic leader over his career. His leadership qualities will come in very handy. The team will be look to him to deliver as a batsman and as skipper next year," the former Delhi stumper said.

On Akram as the mentor of the team, Dahiya said, "I worked with him during camps with the Delhi team last season and the boys benefited greatly. He is one player who has been there, done that and KKR is glad to have him on board."