"Building a family within the team": Venkatesh Iyer on KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit
Chandrakant Pandit has a spectacular record as a coach at the domestic level (IPLT20.com)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a tumultuous start to their 2023 Indian Premier League campaign, but they seem to have found their rhythm under the tutelage of their new coach, Chandrakant Pandit.
Pandit, a domestic coaching stalwart with an impressive record of six first-class titles, has instilled a culture of discipline, fitness, and camaraderie in the KKR dressing room, and the results are starting to show on the field.
The franchise had a losing start against the Punjab Kings in a rain-affected match, but they have since bounced back with back-to-back victories. The recent victories have been particularly impressive, with a thumping win against Royal Challengers Bangalore at home and a nail-biting finish against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad where Rinku Singh smashed consecutive sixes off the last five balls to secure a win for the ages.
One player who has been particularly effusive in his praise for Pandit is Venkatesh Iyer, who played a crucial role in KKR's recent victory over Gujarat Titans on Sunday.
During a press conference on Sunday, Iyer expressed his relation for Chandrakant Pandit, referring to him as a prominent figure in contemporary cricket. The all-rounder credited the former cricketer’s coaching methodology, which he believes is a key factor in KKR's ability to function cohesively as a team.
"I am very happy for Chandrakant Pandit sir, he is a stalwart in the modern game. And using his tactics at the international level, I can bet my life on the fact that KKR are playing there as a unit,” said Iyer.
According to Iyer, Pandit's emphasis on creating a familiar atmosphere within the team has resulted in a closely knit and supportive group. He acknowledged that this sense of camaraderie is a product of the 61-year-old’s continuous efforts to construct a united and harmonious squad.
“Everyone in the KKR team is sticking together as a family. That is something that he is constantly working on, to build a unit, to build a family and that is very satisfying to see that work," added the Indore born cricketer.
According to the 28-year-old, Pandit places great emphasis on two crucial aspects of the sport, namely fitness and discipline. He also commended the Indian veteran's ethical principles, which he deemed a hallmark of his coaching philosophy. Iyer stated that under Pandit's leadership, the team always puts forth a display of discipline, regardless of the final result.
 "Jatin")
