Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Chandrakant Pandit as their new head coach.
Pandit, a former India wicketkeeper who featured in five Tests and 36 ODIs, was the head coach of Madhya Pradesh side which recently lifted the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy for the very first time.
Commenting on his appointment, Pandit said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to be given this responsibility. I have heard from players and others who have been associated with the Knight Riders, about the family culture, as well as the tradition of success that has been created.”
“I am excited about the quality of the support staff and the players who are part of the set up and I am looking forward to this opportunity with all humility and positive expectations,” he added.
Notably, Pandit was a part of India’s squad for the 1987 World Cup and represented Mumbai, Assam and Madhya Pradesh in the domestic cricket circuit. He also won the Ranji Trophy twice as a player.
“We are very excited that Chandu is joining the Knight Riders family to lead us through the next phase of our journey. His deep commitment to what he does and his track record of success in domestic cricket, is there for everyone to see. We are looking forward to his partnership with our skipper Shreyas Iyer, which promises to be an exciting one,” said Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR.
Notably, Pandit has been a coaching stalwart in the Indian domestic cricket circuit as before Madhya Pradesh, he had also led Mumbai to Ranji Trophy titles in 2002-03, 2003–04 and 2015-16.