Chandrakant Pandit, who guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 IPL title as head coach, has officially parted ways with the team. The franchise announced his exit on Tuesday, July 29, through an Instagram post featuring a photo montage from his time with KKR.
“We wish you the best for your future endeavours, Chandu Sir. PS: Once a Knight, always a Knight. Kolkata will always be your home (sic),” the franchise shared.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMsQimRSFqk/?igsh=MWtwaWFqcDQ3d2gzbg==
Chandrakant Pandit took over as KKR head coach after the 2022 IPL season. While his first year didn’t bring much success, he led the team to a title win in the 2024 season with Shreyas Iyer as captain.
A respected figure in domestic cricket, the former India wicketkeeper-batter has an impressive coaching résumé. He guided Mumbai to three Ranji Trophy titles (2002–03, 2003–04, and 2015–16) and steered Vidarbha to consecutive wins in 2017–18 and 2018–19.
Pandit also helped Madhya Pradesh secure their maiden Ranji Trophy in 2021–22 and played a key role in Rajasthan’s second title in 2011–12 as director of cricket. As a player, he represented India in five Tests and 36 ODIs between 1986 and 1992.
KKR Finish IPL 2025 In Disappointing Eighth Place
Though KKR clinched the IPL title in 2024, they couldn’t maintain the same momentum in the next season and ended up in eighth place. This disappointing outcome is likely one of the contributing factors behind the removal of head coach Chandrakant Pandit. Still, the team wasn’t far off from a playoff spot, having registered five victories in their 14 matches.
In the last three games, KKR lost twice, and one fixture was washed out. If the outcomes of their final three games had gone in their favour, KKR might have secured a playoff spot. Nevertheless, the team will now focus on appointing a new head coach before the 2026 season begins.
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