South African King, whose contract ended in December 2007, confirmed to Deccan Herald on Friday that he had written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), making himself unavailable for a renewal of his contract, much like Australian physio John Gloster. As such, he will end his stint at the conclusion of the triangular series currently under way.

The similarity between the trainer and the physio doesn't end there. Like Gloster, wedding bells are round the corner for King as well; while the former is to wed an airline pilot in Adelaide next month, King's fiancee is an air hostess with another Indian airline, and the wedding is set for April 19 in Kolkata.

“I have had an excellent four and a half years with the Indian team, but I feel that with everything, there is a shelf life,” King said on Friday afternoon.

“As enjoyable as my stint has been, it is time to move on, particularly with marriage not so far away. I thought I owed it to the BCCI to inform them of my decision not to seek an extension well before the end of this tour, so that they could zero in on a potential replacement before the home series against South Africa late next month.”

The man from Johannesburg had succeeded Adrian le Roux as the Indian trainer towards the middle of 2003.

Given his impeccable credentials, King will not be left fending for an opening. It is quite possible that he could be snapped up by one of the eight Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, though it remains to be seen if he does take up the offer, should one eventuate.

King's call means for the first time since professionals have been in place, India will go into a series with a new coach, a new physio and a new trainer all at the same time.