'I have enjoyed every moment of it' - Brendon McCullum opens up in his farewell speech

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Brendon McCullum had an emotional addressal for the franchise's players, staff and owners. With McCullum joining in as a new head-honcho of the English Test outfit, he bid adieu to KKR after coaching the team for three years.

The Kiwi entered KKR's set-up as the head coach in 2020. In his first year, the team was eliminated in the league stage but bettered its performance in 2021, ending as the runners-up.

However, the Kolkata-based club failed to replicate the success of 2021 and was again shown the door before the playoffs.

In his farewell speech, McCullum thanked Venky Mysore, KKR's CEO, for providing him with this opportunity.

"Firstly, Venky, a big thank you to you. Three years ago, he took a chance on me as a coach. Since then, it's been a pretty steep learning curve, and I have enjoyed every moment. Even the tough times have been pretty big learning curves," McCullum said, as quoted in a video posted by KKR.

Although KKR had a rather disappointing season recently, McCullum expressed how his coaching style is about cricket and other aspects of life.

"I love you, boys. I know the seasons don't always pan out how you want them to pan out. But I loved the effort that all of you guys put in. My coaching style is not necessarily about cricket; it's about life and relationships and giving you guys confidence. I feel like you guys have trusted me to be able to help you out.

Whatever happens, my number is here as well. So feel free to give me a call at any stage. I will keep following all your careers and certainly the franchise," he added.

It was the McCullum-Shreyas duo for KKR this year, with the Indian star named the skipper before the start of the season. In a short message for Shreyas, the 40-year-old said, "Skipper, it's your franchise to run as well. So all the very best."

A new challenge awaits McCullum as he will now be the brain in England's dressing room for red-ball cricket. Interestingly, his first assignment will be in the form of a three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting from June 2.