Gambhir Defends KKR Coach Pandit Amid Criticism

Gambhir Defends KKR Coach Pandit Amid Criticism

Gautam Gambhir, the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has expressed his positive experience working with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, despite recent criticism from former KKR player David Wiese.

Wiese had criticized Pandit’s coaching style as “militant” in a recent podcast, claiming that it had caused dissatisfaction among players. However, Gambhir, who joined KKR this season, has a different perspective.

“I have not heard about any criticism,” Gambhir said. “It’s been early days, and my working relationship with him has been really very good. Hopefully, it will continue that way.”

Gambhir acknowledged Pandit’s successful track record in Indian domestic cricket, particularly with Mumbai, Vidarbha, and Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. He believes that Pandit’s experience is valuable for KKR.

“Whatever has been said, I have no clue about it,” Gambhir added. “I think he has been pretty successful in first-class cricket, and that is the reason why he has got this opportunity. So far, it has been really good working with him.”

Gambhir’s comments are in contrast to Wiese’s, who claimed that Pandit’s strict discipline and authoritarian approach did not sit well with some overseas players. However, Gambhir has not witnessed any such issues.

KKR all-rounder Andre Russell has also praised Pandit, saying that he has been doing an “amazing job.”

Despite the contrasting views, it remains to be seen how Pandit’s coaching style will ultimately impact KKR’s performance in the upcoming IPL season.

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell, the explosive all-rounder, has come to the defense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has faced criticism for his coaching style. Former KKR all-rounder David Wiese had labeled Pandit’s approach as “militant,” suggesting it led to frustration among foreign players in the team during the previous IPL season.

However, Russell, a key figure in KKR’s squad, offered a contrasting perspective. “We’ve been working with him from last year. I think when you’re working with a coach for the first time, you have to make sure that you adjust to their philosophy. There have to be rules. We are professionals. So, we don’t complain,” Russell said during a pre-match press meet in Bengaluru.

“I try to do the best for this franchise. He’s been doing an amazing job, and we’ve gotten coming back as well,” he added.

Pandit, known for his disciplinarian approach, took over as KKR coach before IPL 2022 following Brendon McCullum’s departure. Wiese had criticized Pandit’s strict and regimented style, suggesting it clashed with the mindset of experienced overseas players.

Russell, however, emphasized the importance of adapting to the coach’s philosophy and maintaining professionalism. “He (Pandit) is known in India as a very militant type of coach. He is very strict, very disciplinarian that type of stuff,” Wiese had said on the podcast ‘Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer.’

“Sometimes in franchise cricket, when you have overseas guys, who’ve played all over the world, they don’t need anyone coming and telling them how they need to behave, what they need to wear and what they need to do the whole time. So, that was tough.”

Despite Wiese’s concerns, Russell’s support for Pandit suggests that the KKR dressing room is not as divided as some may have believed. The team will be hoping to put the coaching controversy behind them and focus on performing well in the upcoming IPL season.

Overseas Stars Clash with Chandrakant Pandit's Coaching Style at KKR

Overseas Stars Clash with Chandrakant Pandit’s Coaching Style at KKR

Chandrakant Pandit, a legendary figure in Indian domestic cricket, has faced criticism from some overseas players during his tenure as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

According to David Wiese, an all-rounder who played for KKR in three matches this season, there were “certain issues going on behind the scenes” within the team. Wiese revealed that some players were unhappy with Pandit’s coaching style, describing the dressing room atmosphere as “tough.”

“There was a new coach coming in and he liked to do things a certain way, and that didn’t sit well with the players,” Wiese said on the ‘Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer’ podcast hosted by Sam Keir.

Wiese further explained that Pandit’s strict disciplinary approach did not resonate with some of the overseas players who have extensive experience playing in various leagues around the world. “He’s known in India as a fairly militant type of coach, a strict disciplinarian. The overseas guys who’ve played all over the world don’t need someone coming in and telling him how to behave and what to wear and what to do,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Wiese remained positive about his time with KKR, acknowledging the team’s fighting spirit despite missing some key players. He also praised the performance of Rinku Singh, who impressed with his power-hitting abilities.

“As a player, you appreciate it when guys do well. Rinku Singh smacks five sixes – you can’t not appreciate that,” Wiese said. “It’s just that the result doesn’t have much emphasis anymore. You don’t sit there nervous about whether you’re going to win. And you start investing in the guys’ personal performances instead.”

Pandit’s coaching style has been a topic of discussion in the past, with some players praising his attention to detail and discipline, while others have expressed concerns about his strict approach. It remains to be seen how KKR will perform under Pandit’s leadership in the future, but the team’s recent struggles have raised questions about the compatibility between his coaching style and the expectations of overseas players.

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