Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gave the Indian cricket community a surprise by announcing the appointment of Chandrakant Pandit as their new head coach. As it was the second time lucky for the KKR as their previous attempt to bring in the ‘Dronacharya of Domestic Cricket’ on board in their coaching setup had fail in 2012.
In 2012, KKR had offer him the role of their assistant coach which he politely reject as he wasn’t interested in working under a foreign coach.
Shah Rukh Khan, who is the co-owner of the franchise, also try to convince him to join their coaching staff but even his request couldn’t change Chandrakant Pandit’s mind.
Not many coaches would have struggle to turn down a offer from one of the most successful franchises in the league but Chandrakant Pandit had no second thoughts.
Chandrakant Pandit stay firm on his principles, no matter what.
The message from the legendary coach was clear.
Chandrakant Pandit was not any interest in the role just to make some quick money.
In order to create an impact and deliver results, Chandrakant Pandit want full control of the franchise, which KKR couldn’t offer him at the time.
The departure of Brendon McCullum, who has become the Test head coach of England, allow KKR the golden opportunity to fulfil their long-standing wish.
As, those who don’t follow domestic cricket that religiously might be wondering what is so special about him.
Chandrakant Pandit is not someone who dominate world cricket for years.
It’s true that Chandrakant Pandit, who play five Tests and 36 ODIs, didn’t have a stellar playing career at the highest level but he has a brilliant coaching record in domestic cricket.
Chandrakant Pandit has delivering goods in the Ranji Trophy circuit for many years now.
Chandrakant Pandit has won the prestigious trophy six times with three different teams, with the latest one coming with MP earlier in 2022.
The good thing about the 60-year-old is that Chandrakant Pandit has always embrace new challenges.
After guiding domestic cricket giants Mumbai to three Ranji titles, Chandrakant Pandit sign up with minnows like Vidharbha and produce back-to-back titles.
Chandrakant Pandit then move to Madhya Pradesh to fulfil his unfinish task which had left him with teary eyes more than two decades ago.
Playing for MP, Chandrakant Pandit had miss out on a trophy, falling short in the final against Karnataka in 1999.
This is the reason why fans and experts are excited about this appointment is that they are aware of his pedigree.
Chandrakant Pandit has a ‘serial winner’ who has deliver results whichever dressing he has in, big or small.
The KKR fans would be hoping that the man with Midas touch does that same for them and helps them win the trophy since 2014.
