IPL 2023: Domestic super coach Chandrakant Pandit faces the biggest test of his career after the former wicketkeeper was named the head…
IPL 2023: Domestic super coach Chandrakant Pandit faces the biggest test of his career after the former wicketkeeper was named the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the big boots of McCullum to fill, the ‘Alex Ferguson of Ranji Trophy’ remains confident of KKR’s title aspirations and has already started working on his side. Pandit, who also coaches MP in the Ranji Trophy, led them to the title last season. Follow IPL 2023 live updates on Insidesport.IN
IPL 2023: Chandrakant Pandit outlines title aspirations as new KKR coach, says ‘I’ve already began planning for the auction’ – Check out
Despite having a number of familiar faces on the side and in the dugout, Chandrakant Pandit will enter uncharted waters his maiden IPL coaching stint. Pandit has already worked with the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Abhishek Nayyar during his long coaching career.
Pandit believes it is certainly an advantage and has helped him settle at the new franchise. Speaking to the Times of India in an interview, he said, “It’s obviously a great advantage. The rapport that we had for so many years, we know each other so well. As a player and as a coach, we understand each other quite well. It’s not only Shreyas Iyer, but also Abhishek and the support staff that I have. There’s Omkar Salvi (KKR academy bowling coach) and Bharat Arun (KKR bowling coach). We all know each other quite well.”
IPL 2023: Chandrakant Pandit outlines title aspirations as new KKR coach, says ‘I’ve already began planning for the auction’ – Check out
KKR had a dismal campaign last time out after a mixed performance in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. While the two-time champions spent the big bucks on Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana and Pat Cummins, their squad lacked depth and quality outside the playing XI. Add to that the withdrawal of Alex Hales, injuries and poor form, and IPL 2022 was a campaign to forget.
Pandit is likely to hit the reset button of sorts this season and has already laid out his plans for the auction. While KKR would retain most of their stars, the possible availability of Ben Stokes, Sam Curran and others could turn their attention.
When quizzed about auction plans, Pandit responded, “Yes, I’m already on it. We’ve to make sure to get the best out of every Individual, not only one particular player. But of course there are players who’ll be playing very key roles.”
