Follow UsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) parted ways with head coach Chandrakant Pandit two months after the conclusion of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), where the franchise finished eighth.
Pandit, who took over after IPL 2022, had a mixed run with the Knight Riders. In his first season, KKR finished seventh in 2023. However, he led a stunning turnaround in 2024, guiding the team to their first IPL title in 10 years.
But the momentum didn’t last. KKR endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, and the franchise decided to take a different direction heading into the future.
With Pandit now on the market, here’s a look at three franchises who could consider appointing him as head coach ahead of IPL 2026:
LSG have already roped in Bharat Arun from KKR as their bowling coach, and wouldn’t mind adding someone like Pandit, who has a proven track record at both IPL and domestic levels. The Super Giants haven’t made the playoffs in the last two seasons under Justin Langer, who was appointed their head coach ahead of IPL 2024. A change in the coaching set-up could be exactly what they need.
Like LSG and Punjab Kings, DC are still searching for their maiden IPL title. In 2025, they missed out on the playoffs under the leadership of Hemang Badani, Venugopal Rao, and Munaf Patel, who are all respected names in Indian cricket. With a squad full of domestic talent, a seasoned coach like Pandit could help unlock their full potential.
CSK usually avoid big changes, whether in their playing roster or support staff. But after their worst-ever season in 2025, it might be time to rethink. The five-time champions also failed to reach the playoffs in 2024 and ended up at the bottom last year. Stephen Fleming has been at the helm since 2009, but perhaps the time has come for a fresh voice in the dressing room.