Harbhajan Singh warns KKR coaches could ruin team’s campaign

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh made a stunning remark on the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) coaching staff. Harbhajan said that head coach Chandrakant Pandit and mentor Dwayne Bravo have two different personalities and lifestyles, adding that one wakes up at 5 AM while the other goes to sleep at 6 AM.

The Knight Riders appointed Dwayne Bravo as their mentor after Gautam Gambhir left to become the head coach of the Indian team. Earlier, Bravo had worked as a bowling coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Bravo is known for his relaxed Caribbean attitude, while Pandit is known for his strict discipline.

They Are Two Completely Different Personalities – Harbhajan Singh

Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo, Harbhajan Singh humorously pointed out the difference between Chandrakant Pandit and Dwayne Bravo. Singh highlighted that the contrasting personalities within the franchise’s coaching staff could significantly impact the team’s performance in IPL 2025.

“They are two completely different personalities – one who wakes up at 5 AM, the other who goes to sleep at 6 AM. So, we’ll have to see how they combine and work together as well,” Harbhajan said on ESPN Cricinfo.

Kolkata Knight Riders underwent major changes in their support staff after the departures of Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate following the IPL 2024 season.

Apart from the changes in the coaching setup, the defending champions also appointed veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain. The three-time IPL champions picked Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain.

Rahane’s Best Chance to Bat is at No. 3 – Harbhajan Singh

The Knight Riders have retained most of their batting core from the previous season despite releasing Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana.

The franchise successfully reacquired Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi in the auction. Key players like Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine were retained.

Harbhajan Singh said that it will be challenging for the management to determine Ajinkya Rahane’s batting position. He said that No. 3 might be the only viable spot for Rahane, as the team already has power hitters like Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell in the middle and lower order.

“Rahane is going to have to wrestle with what his role and position is in this batting line up. KKR have a lot of power hitters down the order – Venky Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell – so he cannot bat there. Rahane’s best chance is at No.3, because the openers are fixed,” Harbhajan opined.

Harbhajan Singh Questions KKR’s Decision to Appoint Ajinkya Rahane as Captain

Harbhajan Singh questioned Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to appoint Ajinkya Rahane as captain. He stated that Rahane could be useful if KKR loses an early wicket, but batting after the 12-13 over mark would not suit his style of play.

“If KKR have picked Rahane only for captaincy, then I feel that job could have been done by someone else, like Narine, Russell, or Venky. If KKR lose an early wicket, then I can see a role for Rahane. But, if he has to bat after 12-13 overs, that is not his strength,” he added.

The Knight Riders will begin their Indian Premier League 2025 campaign with the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on Friday, March 22.

Also read: IPL 2025: Zaheer Khan picks best IPL pacer, snubs Lasith Malinga, Dwayne Bravo