Chandrakant Pandit Reflects on Shreyas Iyer's Departure from KKR After IPL 2024 Triumph
Pandit's Insights on Iyer's Exit
Chandrakant Pandit, the former head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has finally addressed the unexpected and contentious exit of Shreyas Iyer, who captained the team to victory in IPL 2024.
Iyer's leadership led KKR to their third IPL title, breaking a decade-long wait since their last win in 2014. Given his successful tenure, many anticipated that he would remain with the franchise. However, KKR's management opted to release him, citing financial reasons and the need for a long-term team overhaul.
This decision has ignited considerable debate and criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind letting go of a captain who had just secured a championship.
Chandrakant Pandit Expresses Regret
During an interview with RevzSports, Pandit, who collaborated with Iyer during the victorious 2024 season, expressed his disappointment regarding Iyer's departure. He acknowledged Iyer's significant role in the team's success and praised his leadership skills, while also noting that strategic decisions sometimes necessitate tough choices.
"Unfortunately, we missed him. Shreyas is an exceptional player who led KKR to victory, and his management of the team was commendable. However, certain circumstances can compel teams to part ways with key players due to overarching strategies," Pandit remarked.
He further expressed his appreciation for the support from KKR's owners and management, including Shah Rukh Khan, Jai Mehta, Juhi Chawla, and CEO Venky Mysore.
Iyer's New Chapter with Punjab Kings
Following his release from KKR, Shreyas Iyer was acquired by Punjab Kings for a staggering INR 26.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. After Iyer's exit, KKR appointed Ajinkya Rahane as captain, but the team struggled to defend their title, finishing 8th in the league stage.
KKR's Ongoing Struggles Under Rahane
Currently, under Rahane's leadership, KKR has faced challenges, winning only one out of seven matches in the ongoing IPL season. Pandit observed that despite various strategies and team combinations, KKR has yet to achieve consistency, with results not favoring them.
"Things aren’t working for KKR at the moment. It’s not due to a lack of effort. When a team scores 200 or 220 and still loses, it’s essential to recognize the opposition's strong performance," he stated.
He also mentioned setbacks, including Sunil Narine's fitness issues and Varun's underperformance, which have contributed to the team's struggles. "They are trying everything, but it’s just not clicking," he concluded.
Pandit's Tenure and Transition
Chandrakant Pandit served as KKR's head coach from 2022 until 2025, stepping down before the IPL 2026 auction. Abhishek Sharma, who was previously the assistant coach, has taken over the coaching responsibilities for the current IPL season.