Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) have officially parted ways with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, ending a three-year association that included last year’s IPL 2024 title win. The decision was announced on July 29, 2025, just two months after KKR’s underwhelming performance in the 2025 season, where they finished eighth on the points table.
Pandit, who joined KKR ahead of the 2023 season following a historic Ranji Trophy win with Madhya Pradesh, brought a disciplined, results-driven approach to the franchise. Despite a rocky start in 2023 filled with injuries and inconsistencies, he led the team to its third IPL title in 2024 under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and mentor Gautam Gambhir.
However, the momentum could not be sustained. With both Iyer and Gambhir gone before the beginning of the IPL 2025 and Ajinkya Rahane taking over as captain, KKR managed just five wins in 14 matches, failing to make it to the playoffs.
A Farewell to Chandrakant Pandit
Sharing the news of the departure of Pandit, KKR took to its social media handles and announced the news of Pandit’s discontinuation with the franchise. “Mr. Chandrakant Pandit has decided to explore new opportunities and will not continue as Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders,” the franchise said in a statement on Tuesday, July 29.
We wish you the best for your future endeavours, Chandu Sir 🤗
PS: Once a Knight, always a Knight. Kolkata will always be your home 💜 pic.twitter.com/GF0LxX5fIz
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 29, 2025
“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.” said the post.
Under Pandit’s guidance, KKR not only lifted the trophy but also nurtured emerging Indian talents like Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, and helped Varun Chakravarthy return to the national front. He leaves with a coaching record of 22 wins in 42 matches across three IPL Seasons with the franchise.
Read Also:- Most Catches for India in Tests
KKR IPL 2026
As the team prepares for a fresh start ahead of IPL 2026, changes in the support staff may follow with the departure of the Pandit from the franchise. Reports suggest that bowling coach Bharat Arun may also move on, possibly joining Chennai Super Kings. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who returned last year, has already taken up the role of the head coach with UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League.
As KKR now begins the search for a new head coach ahead of IPL 2026, the franchise is expected to undergo a major transition in its support staff. Pandit, meanwhile, remains a respected name in domestic and franchise cricket and is likely to find new opportunities soon.
