KKR appoint Chandrakant Pandit as the head coach of the team

The two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have announced the appointment of Chandrakant Pandit as the head coach of the Kolkata-based franchise on Wednesday, 17 August. The former India cricketer takes up the reins after his triumphant Ranji Trophy campaign with Madhya Pradesh.

KKR decided to appoint Chandrakant Pandit, a giant in the domestic circuit, clinching four Ranji Trophy titles as a coach, after Brendon McCullum vacated his position to join the English Test camp earlier this year. The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter guided Madhya Pradesh to their first Ranji Trophy final in 23 years and defeated his home side Mumbai in the final to lift the prestigious trophy.

KKR’s CEO Venky Mysore expressed his excitement about the appointment of the Indian coach and reckoned him to be the best person to lead the KKR team to the next phase of their journey. KKR, who finished up as runner-up in the 2021 season, had an underwhelming outing in IPL 2022, finishing seventh in the points table.

“We are very excited that Chandu is joining the Knight Riders family to lead us through the next phase of our journey. His deep commitment to what he does and his track record of success in domestic cricket is there for everyone to see. We are looking forward to his partnership with our skipper Shreyas Iyer, which promises to be an exciting one.” Venky Mysore said in an official statement to the KKR website.

It’s a great honour and privilege to be given this responsibility: Chandrakant Pandit on his appointment as KKR head coach

Notably, Chandrakant Pandit was rumored to be in contention for a coaching job in 2012, but in an interview earlier this year, he revealed turning down the offer of working under Trevor Bayliss, who guided them to their maiden IPL title that year. The former Indian cricketer rose to fame after leading a relatively unknown Vidarbha to back-to-back titles three years ago.

“It’s a great honor and privilege to be given this responsibility. I have heard from players and others who have been associated with the Knight Riders, about the family culture, as well as the tradition of success that has been created. I am excited about the quality of the support staff and the players who are part of the setup and I am looking forward to this opportunity with all humility and positive expectations.” Chandrakant Pandit said.