MPCA extends Chandrakant Pandit's coaching tenure despite criticism from some quarters

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has shown faith in Chandrakant Pandit, extending his contract as the state team's head coach for another two seasons. This decision comes despite recent criticism from some players about Pandit's allegedly strict and authoritarian approach.

The 62-year-old former India wicketkeeper took over as MP's coach in 2020. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2022 after defeating Mumbai in the final. MP also reached the Ranji semifinals in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

However, Pandit's coaching methods have been slammed from several quarters recently. Punjab Kings batter Ashutosh Sharma and Namibian all-rounder David Wiese, who played under Pandit, publicly criticized his strict style. Former MP and current Pondicherry pacer Gaurav Yadav also spoke out against the coach's approach.

On the other hand, star all-rounder Andre Russell has lauded Pandit for doing an amazing job with IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he is also the head coach. Russell stressed that the players are happy with Pandit at KKR.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir dismisses 'militant-style' coaching allegation against Chandrakant Pandit

Our cricket has benefited a lot since his arrival: Sanjeeva Rao

Justifying MPCA's decision, secretary Sanjeeva Rao pointed to the remarkable growth in MP's cricket since Pandit's arrival, culminating in the Ranji Trophy triumph. He said all stakeholders unanimously felt extending Pandit's tenure was right.

“Yes, all of us stakeholders at MPCA-the office-bearers, senior members, and our cricket committee felt that Pandit is the right person to continue in the same job, and that’s why we have hired him for two more seasons. Our cricket has benefited a lot since his arrival. Not only did we win the Ranji Trophy in 2022, but we also reached the semifinals of the under-23 and finals of the under-16. Last season, 10 of our 12 teams reached the knockouts,” Rao told The Times of India.

Addressing Ashutosh Sharma's criticism, Rao said the young batter failed to capitalize on the ample opportunities MP gave him despite his potential at junior levels. 

“Ashutosh was brilliant for us at the Under-16 level. He had the makings of a great cricketer. We gave him enough chances, gave him a lot of matches to play, but he didn’t capitalize on them, and we had other options,” he further added.

Also read: Narayan Jagadeesan reveals Chandrakant Pandit's ugly behaviour

He even spoke about his carefree attitude, "He was batting in a carefree manner and was never worried about losing his wicket. That approach doesn’t work in four-day cricket. Even in the ODIs, he wasn’t an extraordinary performer for us. Good luck to him if he’s performing well now. We’re very happy for him,” Rao concluded.

In the ongoing IPL 2024, under Pandit's coaching, KKR is third on the points table and has won four out of their six games. They will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next clash on April 21 at Eden Gardens.