KKR sack controversial head coach Chandrakant Pandit ahead of IPL 2026

Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have decided to part ways with two key members of their coaching staff. The franchise has removed Chandrakant Pandit from his role as head coach and also let go of bowling coach Bharat Arun.

This move follows a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, where KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, finished eighth in the points table, managing only five wins from 14 matches. 

Pandit had taken over as head coach in August 2022, ahead of the IPL 2023 season, succeeding Brendon McCullum, who stepped down after three years in charge.

Despite his impressive track record in domestic cricket and a prior IPL title as head coach, Pandit's tenure at KKR was marked by internal discord. His strict, disciplinarian approach reportedly did not sit well with several players. Following a poor debut season, some foreign players, including David Wiese, openly criticized his “militant” coaching style.

During IPL 2025, tensions escalated further, with reports indicating discontent among overseas players over Pandit’s rigid methods. One incident involved him confronting a player for dining out with members of a rival team. These controversies, coupled with the team's underwhelming performance, led to speculation that KKR was actively seeking a new head coach.