Chandrakant Pandit parts way with KKR as head coach ahead of IPL 2026

Chandrakant Pandit was roped in by KKR before IPL 2023.

Chandrakant Pandit, on Tuesday, July 29, stepped down as head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pandit was roped in by KKR as head coach in August 2022 and held the role for three seasons from IPL 2023 to IPL 2025.

Pandit had a successful stint with KKR and led the side to their third IPL trophy. Under his tenure, KKR won the IPL trophy in 2024 defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final. However, they struggled to replicate their performance in IPL 2025, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

KKR thanks Chandrakant Pandit for his contribution

KKR took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce parting ways with Pandit. They shared a heart-warming post to thank him for his contribution over the years.

“Mr. Chandrakant Pandit has decided to explore new opportunities and will not continue as Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders,” KKR wrote on X.

“We are thankful for his invaluable contributions – including leading KKR to the TATA IPL Championship in 2024 and helping build a strong, resilient squad. His leadership and discipline have left a lasting impact on the team. We wish him all the very best for the future,” they further added.

Pandit succeeded Brendon McCullum as KKR’s head coach in August 2022. The latter left the role in 2022 to takeover as England’s test coach.

Meanwhile, KKR produced a dismal performance in IPL 2025. Ajinkya Rahane was appointed as the skipper of the side ahead of the tournament. Out of 14 games, the three-time champions won five matches and lost seven encounters while two games were washed out due to rain.

With 12 points, they finished at eighth spot in the points table. KKR were among the first few teams to be eliminated from the race to the playoffs earlier this year.

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