coach, their second in two seasons.
Before the start of IPL 2, the Mukesh Ambani-owned team signed on Shaun Pollock as mentor-cum-advisor (supposed to work as the head coach), with Praveen Amre taking over as assistant coach following a successful run with the Mumbai Ranji team. In IPL's first edition, Lalchand Rajput, who had managed India's World T20-winning team, was Mumbai's coaching helmsman.
However, an indifferent show in South Africa means the franchise is no closer to the winning formula, with sources saying the coach hunt is on again in an effort to help team morale and confidence ahead of next season's IPL.
So, does that mean Pollock won't be retained? "Pollock and fielding coach Jhonty Rhodes were in charge because of their knowledge of South African conditions.
"Next year, the IPL will be on home turf and again people with knowledge of local conditions will be necessary," a source told TOI.
Officials, though, are not willing to go on record yet. But the hunt for a home-grown, desi coach might be on, just what the Knight Riders are doing right now.
"Both teams are exploring the best possible option. Interestingly, there are a few common names in their wish lists," the source added.
Mumbai Indians had a miserable second IPL season, finishing seventh among eight teams.
Harbhajan Singh, a key player, complained that he had no idea what his role in the team was, and there were differences between Tendulkar and Pollock over issues like team selection and batting order.
