Kolkata 17 August : Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Chandrakant Pandit as their new head coach.Pandit is an former India wicketkeeper who played in six Tests and 36 ODIs was head coach of Madhya Pradesh side who won the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy for the very first time. Pandit is a coach steady in the Indian domestic cricket circuit, helping Mumbai to Ranji Trophy titles in 2002-03 2003-04, and 2015-16.He then coached Vidarbha to Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup titles in 2017-2018 and 2018-19.
He assumes the position vacant by Brendon McCullum, who left KKR following the 2021 season in order to take on the position of England’s red-ball coach in April of this year.
“It’s an honor and privilege to have this task.I’ve been informed by players and other who have been involved with the Knight Riders about the family culture and the legacy of achievement that’s been established.”
“I am ecstatic about the high-quality of the team of support personnel as well as the players who make up part of the team and I am looking forward to this chance with the utmost respect and positive expectation,” said Pandit on his appointment.
In his time as a player, Pandit was a part of India’s squad for 1987 World Cup and represented Mumbai, Assam and Madhya Pradesh in the cricket circuit in India winning the Ranji Trophy twice as a player.
As he is appointed the head coach of KKR, Pandit will be just the third Indian following former left arm pacer Ashish Nehra and former all-rounder Sanjay Bangar to be the head coach of an IPL franchise.
“We are extremely excited to announce that Chandu joins the Knight Riders family to lead us into the next phase of our journey.Chandu’s dedication to the work he does, and his history of success in cricket in the domestic arena is available for all to observe.We are eagerly anticipating his partnership with our captain Shreyas Iyer.The partnership is sure to be a thrilling one,” said Venky Mysore chief executive officer of KKR.
nr/inj
.
