Chandakant Pandit convinced to extend coaching contract with Vidarbha

One of the most successful coaches in the Indian domestic cricket, Pandit’s stock was at an all-time high when he helped Mumbai regain their glory days by guiding them to the title once again and was the main man behind unearthing some of the finest domestic talents from the Maidans of the city. Some misunderstanding with few association officials resulted in Pandit resigning from the position, but since then, he made himself further more popular by guiding an unheralded team like Vidarbha to Ranji and Irani title for two consecutive years.

However, after his contract with Vidarbha ended in March, there were speculations about his future with VCA as it was widely reported that Pandit was initially reluctant to extend the offer. 

"Over the years various coaching assignments have kept him away from his family. Now, he wants to spend time with them," the source had told TOI.

Thankfully for Vidarbha, former India cricketer Prashant Vaidya, who was behind Pandit's arrival in Vidarbha in 2017, took the onus and convinced the former India wicket-keeper to continue with the reigning Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup champions.

"The love and respect that he got from the players and the association officials made Pandit continue with Vidarbha. Since last few days, VCA president Anand Jaiswal and vice president Vaidya were in constant touch with Pandit. Their efforts in convincing the celebrated coach to continue with Vidarbha bore fruit," a source said here on Friday.

"Over the last two seasons, Pandit had developed a bond, unique chemistry with all the players. When his contract ended in March, he was in dilemma. The decision to leave the team that he had painstakingly built over the last two seasons wasn't an easy one. But he had a family to look after. His brother's poor health was also an issue. Fortunately, things have been sorted out. He is the best man to take the Vidarbha team to even greater heights in future," another source added.

While confirming that, the VCA sources have also added that Wasim Jaffer and Ganesh Satish too will continue to be in the Vidarbha for the next year, adding value to a young but promising outfit. VCA's executive committee also confirmed the appointments of Trevor Gonslaves, Usman Ghani and Ranjit Paradkar as Under-23, Under-19 and Under-16 coaches respectively for the next season.

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