Former Australia batsman Simon Katich has been appointed the new assistant coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

News of the 40-year-old's arrival has come just a matter of days after the Indian Premier League franchise confirmed that ex-South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis had accepted the head coach's position.

"It is great to have Simon on my management team. I have played many games against him and his understanding of the game is very good," Kallis told the club's official website.

"He is a great asset to have and I really look forward to formulating plans with him and the rest of the team to help KKR to another title in 2016."

Katich last played in the IPL six years ago when he turned out for the Kings XI Punjab.