Kolkata Knight Riders appoint Abhishek Nayar as head coach ahead of IPL 2026. [Photo: IANS]
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially appointed former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Nayar replaces Chandrakant Pandit, who parted ways with the franchise after the conclusion of IPL 2025.
This marks a major shift for KKR as they continue their rebuild under the leadership of a coach deeply connected with the team’s culture and player development.
Abhishek Nayar’s association with KKR goes back to 2018, when he took charge of the KKR Academy in Mumbai. There, he worked closely with young cricketers, helping shape players like Rinku Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, who continue to credit him for his mentorship and guidance.
Abhishek Nayar was also part of Chandrakant Pandit’s support staff, playing a key role in KKR’s IPL 2024 championship win — their third IPL title.
When Gautam Gambhir was appointed as India’s head coach, he brought Nayar and fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate along as assistant coaches. However, Nayar’s stint with Team India was short-lived, as he was removed following India’s poor performance in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He was later replaced by Sitanshu Kotak as India’s batting coach. After leaving the national team setup, Nayar returned to KKR and also served as head coach of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
KKR CEO Venky Mysore praised the appointment, highlighting Nayar’s deep bond with the team and his contribution to KKR’s growth. “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,” Mysore said.
Before becoming a coach, Nayar was a consistent performer in domestic cricket for Mumbai. He played 60 IPL matches between 2008 and 2014 for franchises including Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors India, and Rajasthan Royals. He also represented India in three ODIs in 2009, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
Over the years, top cricketers such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik have publicly acknowledged Nayar’s role in helping them overcome career challenges — further underlining his influence as a mentor.
With Nayar stepping in as head coach, KKR are signalling a shift toward a player-driven, development-focused approach. His familiarity with the team’s young core, coupled with his analytical mindset, could help KKR maintain consistency and build momentum for IPL 2026.
