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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 was a forgettable season for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After losing the services of captain Shreyas Iyer due to an injury, Nitish Rana took over the reins. While there were a few moments of brilliance, they were out of playoff contention early and finished seventh on the points table. David Wiese who was not their first choice in the playing XI played three games in the season. A year later, the Namibia all-rounder revealed the dressing room problems. Wiese also pointed out that few players were not happy with how coach Chandrakant Pandit operated.
"There were certain issues going on behind the scenes in the team. Guys weren't happy with certain things that were going on, and a lot of the times, it was a tough changing room. There was a new coach coming in and he liked to do things a certain way, and that didn't sit well with the players," Wise said on Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricket podcast.
"Guys were frustrated because a lot changed, and the coach brought in things that he thought would bring success. But as an overseas player, they sometimes don't sit well. He's known in India as a fairly militant type of coach, a strict disciplinarian. The overseas guys who've played all over the world don't need someone coming in and telling him how to behave and what to wear and what to do. I was chill with it, but there were players more stubborn than me."
How environment changes when playoffs spot is out of sight
Wiese who was picked for his base price of Rs 1 crore said after losing four games on the trot there was more emphasis on personal performances. He also praised KKR's star player Rinku Singh who smashed Yash Dayal for five sixes in the final over to win the game.
“As the tournament goes on, you kind of sense whether you have a shot at qualifying or not. It's not about whether you're playing; it's just about spending another couple of weeks away from family. For me personally, the result of the game didn't matter that much, but I still got pulled into personal performances," the 38-year-old said.
“As a player, you appreciate it when guys do well. Rinku Singh smacks five sixes - you can't not appreciate that. It's just that the result doesn't have much emphasis anymore. You don't sit there nervous about whether you're going to win. And you start investing in the guys' personal performances instead," he added.
Iyer-led KKR’s winning start
In IPL 2024, KKR started their season with a thrilling win at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Their first away clash is scheduled against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 29.
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