After a disappointing IPL 2025 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fired head coach Chandrakant Pandit and bowling coach Bharat Arun after three years.
One of India’s most successful domestic coaches, Chandrakant Pandit, joined in 2023. In 2022, Bharat Arun, India’s bowling coach from 2014 to 2021, joined the Kolkata team.
Both helped the franchise win its third IPL in 2024. In 2025, the squad finished ninth in points with five victories from 14 matches. Under new captain Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders title defence collapsed owing to uneven play, wasted opportunities, and internal concerns. A rain-soaked clash versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru destroyed their playoff aspirations. The team posted a touching message for their leaving coaches.
THANKS CHANDU SIR Mr. Chandrakant Pandit will leave Kolkata Knight Riders as head coach to pursue new chances. Thanks to his leadership in 2024, KKR won the TATA IPL Championship, and built a strong, resilient squad. His discipline and leadership have shaped the team. Kolkata Knight Riders posted on Instagram, wishing him well.
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Abhishek Nayar is probably going to be given a more important position in the KKR coaching staff.
Future players Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana were discovered by KKR during Pandit’s leadership, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy returned to the Indian squad. But in IPL 2025, there were rumours of problems in the locker room. According to reports, Pandit’s strict methods caused issues, with a contentious event involving a foreign player and his countryman making headlines.
However, Bharat Arun, who joined KKR in 2022, played a significant role in bolstering the bowling section of the squad. Though CSK officials have denied any such development, there have been rumours that he is associated with the Chennai Super Kings.
According to reports, KKR is trying to reorganise its coaching staff in light of the resignations of both coaches. The present assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, is probably going to be elevated to a more important position. Eoin Morgan, the former captain, has also been floated as a possible addition to the think tank.
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