Kolkata Knight Riders Part Ways with Head Coach Chandrakant Pandit
KKR Announces Coaching Change
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made an official announcement regarding the departure of their head coach, Chandrakant Pandit. This marks the conclusion of a four-year period characterized by significant achievements and challenges, including a notable victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024.
Pandit Pursues New Ventures
On Tuesday, KKR shared a statement via their social media channels, revealing that Chandrakant Pandit has opted to seek new opportunities and will step down from his role as head coach of the team.
Pandit's Coaching Journey with KKR
Chandrakant Pandit, a well-respected name in Indian domestic cricket coaching, took charge of KKR prior to the 2022 season. His initial two seasons saw the team struggle, finishing in the lower half of the league standings. However, in 2024, his leadership proved pivotal as he led KKR to their third IPL title, marking their first championship win in a decade.
Legacy of an IPL Champion
In their statement, KKR expressed gratitude for Pandit's significant contributions, particularly highlighting his role in securing the TATA IPL Championship in 2024 and fostering a strong, resilient team. They acknowledged that his leadership and discipline have made a lasting impression on the franchise.
The team also conveyed their best wishes for Pandit's future endeavors, stating, "We wish him all the very best for the future."
We wish you the best for your future endeavours, Chandu Sir 🤗PS: Once a Knight, always a Knight. Kolkata will always be your home 💜
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 29, 2025
Performance Overview
In his first season in 2022, KKR recorded six wins against eight losses, finishing in seventh place. The following year mirrored this performance, with another seventh-place finish and the same win-loss record. However, 2024 marked a turning point, as KKR excelled under Pandit's guidance, ultimately clinching the IPL trophy.
Regrettably, the momentum did not persist into 2025, as KKR struggled again, securing only five wins and finishing eighth, thus missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons during his tenure.