Chandrakant Pandit's KKR sacking confirmed; more casualties feared

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) chances of making the playoffs ended after their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, May 17, was abandoned due to rain. Following this disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, head coach Chandrakant Pandit might be sacked from his position.

The Ajinkya Rahane-led team failed to maintain consistency throughout the season. They missed opportunities during the campaign, especially as the defending champions were unable to chase a target of 111 runs at Mullanpur. KKR will play their final match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 25.

Chandrakant Pandit to Be Removed from KKR Following IPL 2025 Exit

Before the league was suspended, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost their final home match against Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens. The loss made their chances of reaching the playoffs even slimmer. To qualify, KKR needed to win both games while hoping for favorable results elsewhere.

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However, their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was washed out due to rain. They earned only one point instead of two, ending their playoff hopes.

RevSportz reported that coach Chandrakant Pandit was under scrutiny after the last five group matches turned into must-win games for KKR. Following their disappointing exit, Chandrakant Pandit's position is now considered untenable.

"RevSportz had earlier reported how Pandit was on a slippery slope after final five group league matches became virtual knockouts for the Kolkata-based franchise. It is now reporting that after the limp exit, Pandit’s position has become untenable," the report read.

Abhishek Nayar Likely to Take on Bigger Role at KKR

During the season, KKR recalled Abhishek Nayar after his exit from Team India. Nayar may take on a big role, with former captain Eoin Morgan also considered as an option.

Chandrakant Pandit is blamed for the team’s struggles, particularly the ongoing batting failures. Chandrakant Pandit's man-management style caused tension, including an incident where he reportedly confronted an overseas player for associating with a rival team member who is also his national teammate, upsetting some players.

After parting ways with captain Shreyas Iyer, KKR appointed Ajinkya Rahane to lead their IPL 2025 title defense. However, unlike the previous year when Gautam Gambhir was part of the setup, this season’s dressing room seemed to lack a strong leader who could motivate the team to seize the moment.

Kolkata Knight Riders Struggle for Consistency in IPL 2025 Season

Kolkata Knight Riders have endured an inconsistent campaign in IPL 2025. Out of 13 matches played, they managed five wins, suffered six defeats, and had two rain-affected games that ended without a result.

Varun Chakaravarthy has been the standout performer with the ball, taking 17 wickets at an average of 19.35 and an economy rate of 7. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane has been the best batter for KKR, scoring 375 runs in 11 innings at an average of 37.5 and a strike rate of 146.48, including three fifties.

KKR will play their final match of the season against SunRisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. They will be aiming to finish their underwhelming campaign with a morale-boosting win.

Also read: Virat Kohli had become weak mentally, his mind had stopped working- Ravi Shastri sends shockwaves