Kolkata Knight Riders began their search for a new coach after Chandrakant Pandit’s exit, with Anil Kumble emerging as a possible candidate.
Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders are on the lookout for a new head coach following the departure of Chandrakant Pandit in July this year. KKR endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, winning only five of their 14 matches to finish eighth in the 10-team table.
While the franchise has not made any official announcement yet, their recent social media activity has sparked speculation among fans about who might replace Pandit.
KKR have also witnessed the departure of several key members of their backroom staff, including bowling coach Bharat Arun, who has now joined Lucknow Super Giants.
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Amidst the reshuffle, fans are speculating whether former India captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble could take over as the team’s new head coach. Kumble has previously served as head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team and the IPL franchise Punjab Kings.
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Additionally, Kumble was associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru—a franchise he captained during his playing days—and also worked with Mumbai Indians as a mentor.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history, Kumble took 956 wickets across formats between 1990 and 2008. His tally of 619 wickets in 132 Tests remains the most by any Indian bowler in the format. In ODIs, he picked up 337 wickets from 271 matches.
Pandit, who took over as KKR’s head coach in 2022, guided the franchise to the IPL title in 2024. However, after a poor 2025 season, he decided to part ways with the team.
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“Chandrakant Pandit has decided to explore new opportunities and will not continue as Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders. We are thankful for his invaluable contributions – including leading KKR to the IPL Championship in 2024 and helping build a strong, resilient squad. His leadership and discipline have left a lasting impact on the team,” KKR said in an official statement.
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