Kolkata Knight Riders Part Ways with Coach Chandrakant Pandit After Disappointing Season

The Kolkata Knight Riders have confirmed that head coach Chandrakant Pandit will be leaving the team following a disappointing 2025 IPL season. After leading KKR to their third title in 2024, Pandit's tenure ended with the team finishing in eighth place this year. The franchise expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him well in future endeavors. Pandit, a respected figure in Indian cricket, faced challenges this season, with KKR winning only five of their 14 matches. This article delves into the details of his departure and the team's performance over the past two years.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2025, 19:20 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders Announce Coaching Change

Kolkata: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially announced that head coach Chandrakant Pandit will be leaving the franchise after a challenging 2025 season, marking the end of his two-year tenure.

Pandit, who led KKR to their third IPL championship in 2024, witnessed a significant downturn this year, with the team finishing in eighth place, equaling their worst performance in the tournament's history.

In a statement shared on 'X', KKR expressed, "Mr. Chandrakant Pandit has chosen to pursue new opportunities and will not continue as Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders."

"We appreciate his invaluable contributions, including guiding KKR to the IPL Championship in 2024 and fostering a strong, resilient team. His leadership and discipline have made a lasting impression on the squad. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Pandit, a prominent name in Indian domestic cricket, took over as KKR's head coach before the 2023 season. In his first year, the team finished seventh, largely due to regular captain Shreyas Iyer's injury absence.

The following year, KKR rebounded with Iyer back at the helm and franchise icon Gautam Gambhir returning as a mentor. Under Pandit's guidance, KKR not only secured the title but also achieved their highest points tally and best net run rate (NRR) in IPL history.

However, the success did not carry over into 2025, as KKR struggled post-mega auction, winning only five out of 14 league matches and failing to qualify for the playoffs with two games remaining.