In a latest podcast titled ‘Hitman for Rent: A 12 months within the lifetime of a franchise cricketer,’ Wiese, who featured in three IPL video games for KKR in 2023, expressed international gamers’ discontentment at Pandit’s “militant” strategy.
“He (Pandit) is thought in India as a really militant sort of coach. He’s very strict, very disciplinarian that sort of stuff. Generally in franchise cricket, when you might have abroad guys, who’ve performed all around the world, they do not want anybody coming and telling them how they should behave, what they should put on and what they should do the entire time. So, that was robust,” remarked Wiese.
Pandit assumed the position of KKR’s head coach in 2022 following Brendon McCullum’s departure. Regardless of Pandit’s spectacular teaching credentials, together with guiding Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh to Ranji Trophy titles, his strategies have been met with resistance from sure gamers throughout the KKR camp.
Wiese revealed that Pandit’s teaching model precipitated rigidity within the altering room, saying, “He appreciated to do issues a sure manner and that did not sit effectively with sure gamers. It precipitated just a little little bit of rigidity within the altering room.
“Guys have been annoyed, there was loads that modified during the last couple of years (when McCullum was round) and the brand new coach introduced in some new issues that he although would deliver success to us.”
Reflecting on KKR’s disappointing efficiency in IPL 2023, the place they completed seventh, Wiese expressed frustration at not receiving enough alternatives to showcase his expertise regardless of enjoying three matches. He highlighted, “I am like ‘pay attention it is your circus, you run the present. Finish of the day, I’m right here simply to play. Should you inform me to do that, I will do it’. I am not the man who’s going to bump heads or something. However there are particular gamers who’re a bit extra cussed than me.”
“That frustration was extra due to the truth that I performed these video games. I did not actually get the chance to do a lot. I did hit a few sixes however did not actually get the chance to showcase my abilities there, and by no means obtained picked once more within the group that was fighting gamers,” he added.
Moreover, Wiese shared his discomfort with sure dressing room traditions, significantly the apply of smashing cake on somebody’s birthday. He described it as “silly and annoying,” expressing his choice to keep away from such rituals.
Regardless of the challenges confronted throughout his stint with KKR, Wiese maintained a practical outlook and continued to give attention to his position as a participant. He emphasised the significance of adapting to completely different environments whereas navigating the complexities of franchise cricket.
