Namibia all-rounder opens up about tensions in KKR camp.
Namibian cricket star David Wiese has shed light on unrest within the Kolkata KKR dressing room during the recent IPL season. The experienced T20 campaigner spoke of friction between players and new head coach Chandrakant Pandit’s management in a podcast interview.
Wiese stated, “issues were bubbling behind the scenes,” and the changing room atmosphere became “tough” at times. While Pandit’s success in domestic cricket made him a valued appointment, his strict approach is said to have irritated certain overseas recruits.
“The coach liked things a certain way, but some changes didn’t sit well with all players,” Wiese noted. Taking over from popular coach Brendon McCullum wasn’t straightforward. Pandit’s disciplinary methods are reported to have frustrated some KKR stars used to more relaxed environments abroad.
However, the all-rounder was less bothered personally by the rules. He acknowledged that “there were guys more stubborn than me”. Pandit is known for aggressive coaching in India, where his no-nonsense persona succeeded with local talents.
Adapting diverse international stars to this approach within a high-pressure IPL season wasn’t straightforward. Tensions emerged as KKR struggled for consistency, eventually finishing a disappointing 7th.
With the next campaign imminent, candid player insights shed light on potential obstacles to success that franchises must navigate delicately.
