Former cricketer Chandrakant Pandit has been in the news because he was recently appointed as the new head coach of KKR, know about his coaching career and stats
As Brendon McCullum’s replacement, the two-time winners of the Indian Premier League, Kolkata Knight Riders, announced on Wednesday that Chandrakant Pandit had been named as head coach of the team. In the media release, he said,
It’s a great honour and privilege to be given this responsibility.
He added,
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.
Since then, he has been the talk of the town with many people congratulating him. Many people are also trying to find out more about him. So, here’s what we know about him.
Know Who Is Chandrakant Pandit New KKR IPL Coach, Age, Biography, Family, Coaching Career Stats, Ranji Trophy Record, Salary
A former India wicketkeeper-batsman himself, Chandrakant Pandit recently coached Madhya Pradesh to their first Ranji Trophy title in 23 years. 🏆
His midas touch also guided Vidarbha to back-to-back Ranji titles three years ago. #WelcomeToKKR #ChandrakantPandit pic.twitter.com/fQ5kT7483t
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 17, 2022
Chandrakant Pandit is the new Head coach of KKR, his stints in the Ranji Trophy in the last 20 years:
Won in 2003 with Mumbai.
Won in 2004 with Mumbai.
Won in 2016 with Mumbai.
Won in 2018 with Vidarbha.
Won in 2019 with Vidarbha.
Won in 2022 with Madhya Pradesh.— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 17, 2022
🚨 We have a new HEAD COACH!
Welcome to the Knight Riders Family, Chandrakant Pandit 💜👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Eofkz1zk6a
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 17, 2022
Who Is Chandrakant Pandit?
Chandrakant Pandit is one of the most celebrated cricketers and then coach of the Indian domestic circuit. He has recently been in the news because he has been named as the new head coach of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
His full name is Chandrakant Sitaram Pandit . He was born on 30 September 1961 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India. He did his schooling at Hansraj Morarji Public School. He later did his graduation from an unknown college.
According to the reports, he is married, however, we don’t know much about his wife. He had an interest in cricket from his childhood. Presently, he is 60 years old.
His Career
Chandrakant Pandit is a former cricketer for India, participating in 36 ODIs and 5 Test matches between 1986 and 1992. He is both a batsman and wicketkeeper for the Indian national cricket team.
On June 19, 1986, he played in his first test match against England at Headingley, Leeds. The final score was 2-0 in favour of India.
On April 10, 1986, in the Austral-Asia Cup, he made his ODI debut against New Zealand in Sharjah. He was a member of India’s World Cup team in 1987.
At the semi-final game against England in his birthplace of Mumbai, he took Dilip Vengsarkar’s place and promptly scored 24 (30); nonetheless, India lost that match.
Have a look at the career statistics of Chandrakant Pandit:
| Competition | Tests | ODIs |
| Matches | 5 | 36 |
| Runs scored | 171 | 290 |
| Batting average | 24.42 | 20.71 |
| 100s/50s | -/- | -/- |
| Top score | 39 | 33* |
| Balls bowled | – | – |
| Wickets | – | – |
| Bowling average | – | – |
| 5 wickets in innings | – | – |
| 10 wickets in match | – | n/a |
| Best bowling | – | – |
| Catches/stumpings | 14/2 | 15/15 |
At his school, the Hansraj Morarji Public School, Chandrakant Pandit started a cricket academy after retiring. He had productive stints as a cricket coach with a number of groups, notably the Mumbai cricket squad.
In 2018 and 2019, he led the cricket team Vidarbha delivering two straight Ranji Trophy victories. The Madhya Pradesh squad won its first Ranji Trophy in 2022 under his direction and coaching. Pandit was hired as the head coach of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022.
Before 2013, he was also a chairman of the All India Junior Selection Committee. While his salary with KKR is not known, Brendon McCullum was paid Rs.3.4 crore during his time with the team with Pandit set to be paid in the akin region.