Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit is reportedly displeased with an overseas player from the team for dining with a member of a rival squad during the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The incident has sparked tension between the coach and the player at a crucial time, as the franchise struggles to defend its title.
KKR is already dealing with poor on-field performances and internal challenges. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the team has had a disappointing run, managing only three wins in their first nine games and earning just one point from their last three. Their struggles at home have also led to friction with the Eden Gardens pitch curators.
As reported by ‘RevSportz’, Pandit’s role as head coach could be in jeopardy if the team fails to reach the playoffs. Known for his strict approach, his strained relationship with players may further weaken his position within the squad.
“This season also, the former Mumbai and India wicketkeeper-batsman is said to be having issues with some players. Grapevine has it that an overseas player was taken aback when Pandit questioned him for going out for dinner with a rival team player, notwithstanding that they are teammates in their national side,” the report mentions.
Several players have shared experiences of Chandrakant Pandit’s strict coaching style at KKR
Veteran coach Chandrakant Pandit, known for his strict and traditional methods, joined KKR in 2022 after Brendon McCullum’s exit. His tenure has seen poor results and off-field controversies, including an incident where he reportedly cut the sleeves off Varun Chakaravarthy’s training gear, as revealed by ex-player N Jagadeesan.
“Last year in KKR camp Chandrakant Pandit said that day was sleeveless day and that day Varun (Chakravarty) wore full sleeves accidentally. Chandrakant Pandit called him aside and tore the shirt to sleeveless with scissors,” N Jagadeesan said during Tamil Commentary with Star Sports.
Experienced all-rounder David Wiese also expressed frustration with Pandit’s coaching methods.
“He (Pandit) is known in India as a very militant-type coach. He is very strict, very disciplinarian, and that type of stuff. Sometimes in franchise cricket, when you have overseas guys who’ve played all over the world, they don’t need anyone telling them how to behave, what to wear, or what to do all the time. So, that was tough,” Wiese said on the podcast ‘Hitman for Hire: A Year in the Life of a Franchise Cricketer’.
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