On Wednesday, Chandrakant Pandit was named as the new head coach of the two-time IPL winner Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Former India wicketkeeper Pandit, who played in 36 one-day internationals and five tests, served as the team's head coach as Madhya Pradesh became the first team to ever win the Ranji Trophy in 2021–2022.
Pandit has a long history of success as a cricket coach in India, having coached Mumbai to three consecutive Ranji Trophy victories in 2002-03, 2003-04, and 2015-16. Later, he led Vidarbha to the 2017–18 and 2018–19 Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup victories. He fills the position left vacant by Brendon McCullum, who left KKR at the end of the 2021 season to become the red-ball coach for England in April of this year.
"Being granted this job is a huge honour and privilege. I've heard about the family culture and the success tradition that have been established from players and other people connected to the Knight Riders."
In response to his hiring, Pandit remarked, "I am pleased about the calibre of the support staff and the players who are part of the setup and I am looking forward to this chance with all humility and good expectations."
Pandit won the Ranji Trophy twice throughout his playing career while representing Mumbai, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. He was a member of India's squad for the 1987 World Cup.
After former left arm bowler Ashish Nehra and former all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, Pandit will become just the third Indian to serve as the head coach of an IPL team with his selection as KKR's head coach.
"Chandu's addition to the Knight Riders family to guide us through the following stage of our adventure fills us with great excitement. Everyone can see his genuine dedication to his work and his record of success in domestic cricket. His relationship with our skipper Shreyas Iyer, which is sure to be exciting, is something we are looking forward to "said KKR CEO Venky Mysore.