IPL 2025: Harbhajan Singh highlights challenges in KKR coaching staff
What's the story
Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh humorously pointed out potential friction between KKR's head coach Chandrakant Pandit and mentor Dwayne Bravo. "They are two completely different personalities—one who wakes up at 5am the other who goes to sleep at 6am. So, we'll have to see how they combine and work together," Singh told ESPN Cricinfo. Notably, Bravo was appointed the team's mentor after Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the Indian cricket team's head coach. Here's more.
Coaching styles
Bravo's instinctive style clashes with Pandit's micromanagement
Bravo is famous for his instinctive and aggressive approach to cricket. On the other hand, Pandit is known for his meticulous management of players' diets, curfews, and practice drills. Separately, Singh has questioned Ajinkya Rahane's leadership role at KKR, suggesting that other players like Sunil Narine or Venkatesh Iyer could have been better suited for captaincy duties based on their potential suitability for the role.
Batting order
Rahane's batting position in KKR's lineup remains uncertain
The former Indian cricketer also weighed in on Rahane's position in KKR's batting order. With established openers and power hitters like Rinku Singh and Andre Russell dominating the middle order, Singh suggested that No. 3 would be the most suitable spot for Rahane. "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," Singh noted.
Season start
KKR's season opener against RCB on March 22
Despite losing key players like Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Rana, KKR have retained match-winners such as Narine, Russell, and Rinku. The team's season opener is scheduled against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22. With a blend of power hitters and emerging talents, KKR's batting strategy aims to harmonize Rahane's traditional style with the team's explosive DNA.