Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made major changes after a disappointing IPL 2025 season. The Kolkata franchise has parted ways with Chandrakant Pandit, who became only the second Indian head coach after Ashish Nehra to win an IPL title, along with bowling coach Bharat Arun.
Chandrakant Pandit took over as head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders in August 2022. He was with the team for three IPL seasons from 2023 to 2025. KKR clinched their third IPL title by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final during the IPL 2024 season.
However, the team had a disappointing performance in the following season, finishing eighth in the standings with just five wins from 14 matches.
Your daily dose of cricket!
KKR Part Ways with Head Coach Chandrakant Pandit After Three Seasons
Chandrakant Pandit was appointed as Kolkata Knight Riders’ head coach in 2022, replacing Brendon McCullum after the latter took over England’s Test side.
Following his departure, KKR shared a message on X. The franchise acknowledged his role in guiding the team to their 2024 IPL title and credited him for building a strong, disciplined unit. They expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors.
We wish you the best for your future endeavours, Chandu Sir
PS: Once a Knight, always a Knight. Kolkata will always be your home pic.twitter.com/GF0LxX5fIz
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) July 29, 2025
Bharat Arun Joined KKR in 2022 After a Successful Tenure as India’s Bowling Coach
Bharat Arun joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 following his successful tenure as India’s bowling coach. The combination of Arun, Pandit, mentor Gautam Gambhir, and captain Shreyas Iyer played a pivotal role in KKR’s championship-winning campaign.
Arun is considered one of India’s top bowling coaches. He previously served as the national team’s bowling coach from 2014 to 2015 and again from 2017 until the conclusion of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Bharat Arun brings a wealth of experience, having held roles at the National Cricket Academy and as India’s U-19 coach. He also worked closely with KKR’s young bowlers, including Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora.
Harshit has already made his debut for India across formats, while Vaibhav emerged as KKR’s joint-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025.
Bharat Arun Likely to Replace Eric Simons as CSK Bowling Coach
Chennai Super Kings are set to make changes ahead of IPL 2026. Bharat Arun is likely to join the franchise as their new bowling coach, replacing long-time coach Eric Simons. While CSK officials have not officially confirmed the move, The Times of India has reported that Arun is set to take over the role.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant responded to Cricket Addictor’s Instagram post with a comment, “@lucknowsupergiants maybe “. It quickly caught the attention of fans on social media.
BIG BREAKING FOR IPL 2026 [Gaurav Gupta from TOI]
Kolkata Knight Riders has part ways with Chandrakant Pandit.
Bharat Arun likely to be the bowling coach of Chennai Super Kings. pic.twitter.com/EMVLHK1Cn6
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 29, 2025
CSK finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins from 14 matches in 2025. The team struggled with injuries and underwhelming performances throughout the campaign. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury midway through the season forced MS Dhoni to return as captain.
Eric Simons has been part of the CSK setup since 2018, and Sridharan Sriram was brought in as assistant bowling coach for IPL 2025. The franchise aims to rebuild and address key issues in its support staff after a forgettable season.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah’s Test career in England over
