KKR appoints Abhishek Nayar as new head coach

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has been appointed as the new head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the franchise announced on Thursday, marking a significant step for the long-serving member of their support staff. The move follows the exit of Chandrakant Pandit, who led the team for three IPL seasons.

Nayar, 43, has been a key part of KKR’s setup since 2018 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in their think tank. Known for his analytical approach and deep understanding of player psychology, Nayar has played a major role in shaping the careers of several young and senior cricketers within the franchise.

Welcoming the appointment, KKR CEO Venky Mysore said, “Abhishek has been a vital part of the Knight Riders setup since 2018, shaping our players both on and off the field. His understanding of the game and connection with players have been key to our growth. We’re thrilled to see him take over as Head Coach and lead KKR into its next chapter.”

Before taking charge at KKR, Nayar spent nearly nine months with the Indian national team as part of Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup. However, his stint ended shortly after India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, with Sitanshu Kotak replacing him.

A former India all-rounder who featured in three ODIs, Nayar has earned a strong reputation as a personal coach and mentor. He has closely worked with leading Indian players such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik, and is credited for discovering young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

With Nayar at the helm, KKR will look to build on its existing core and continue its pursuit of a third IPL title under a coach who knows the franchise inside out.