Abhishek Nayar is all set to take over as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2026 season, according to reports from ESPNcricinfo. This marks a major step up for Nayar, who served as the assistant coach under Chandrakant Pandit last season. His return to KKR came after a one-year break, during which he worked alongside Gautam Gambhir as part of India’s national men’s team support staff.
Abhishek Nayar To Guide KKR Into New Era As Head Coach
Abhishek Nayar’s appointment comes after KKR decided to part ways with Chandrakant Pandit following a three-year partnership. Under Pandit, the team achieved a memorable IPL 2024 title win, ending a decade-long wait for the trophy.
However, the 2025 season didn’t go as planned, with KKR finishing eighth on the points table after managing only five wins. Following the disappointing campaign, the franchise opted for a coaching reshuffle. Pandit has since returned to Madhya Pradesh, where he now serves as the director of cricket for the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.
Paperwork Completed, Official Announcement Soon
According to IANS, sources close to the development confirmed that Abhishek Nayar has completed all necessary paperwork for the head coach position at KKR. “It is understood that the necessary paperwork has been completed. An official announcement from the franchise is expected to come in some time,” said sources to IANS.
Nayar, who was part of the Indian coaching setup that won the 2025 Champions Trophy, will now lead the two-time IPL champions into a new era. His promotion from assistant coach to head coach is seen as a natural progression given his long-standing relationship with the franchise.
A Coach Known for Nurturing Talent
Nayar has been part of the KKR system since 2018, managing the KKR Academy and playing a key role in developing young Indian talent. Over the years, players like Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Varun Chakaravarthy have credited Nayar for shaping their careers and improving their performances.
He has also earned a strong reputation in Indian cricket for mentoring top players such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. His eye for spotting potential and helping players refine their skills has made him one of the most respected coaches in the domestic circuit.
Leading in Two Leagues
Alongside his new role with KKR, Abhishek Nayar is also serving as the head coach of the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). He took up the position in July 2025 after the departure of Jon Lewis. Managing head coach responsibilities for two different T20 leagues will be a big challenge, but it also highlights Nayar’s growing stature in Indian cricket coaching circles.
Preparing for a Busy Season Ahead
Nayar’s first major task as KKR’s head coach will be preparing for the IPL mini auction in December 2025. His goal will be to help the franchise build a competitive squad ahead of the ten-team IPL 2026 season. Before that, he will be focusing on the WPL mega auction scheduled for late November, as he works on strategies to strengthen the UP Warriorz lineup.
With his deep understanding of the KKR setup and his proven record of developing players, Abhishek Nayar’s appointment brings a fresh sense of optimism to the franchise. Fans will be eager to see how he guides KKR back into title contention in the upcoming season.
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