Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have reportedly chosen Abhishek Nayar as their head coach ranging from IPL 2026. In accordance with The Indian Categorical, the franchise knowledgeable Nayar of their choice final week, with a Formal announcement anticipated quickly.
After a disappointing IPL 2025 season, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are making main modifications, notably of their teaching workers.
The franchise has parted methods with head coach Chandrakant Pandit and is now trying to find a substitute, with Abhishek Nayar, an in depth affiliate of former Indian captain Rohit Sharma, rising as a number one candidates.
Nayar has an extended affiliation with KKR, serving as assistant coach from 2018 to 2024. He additionally had a stint as head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders and briefly labored with Group India after IPL 2024, although he left following a difficult tour of Australia.
Abhishek Nayar has additionally skilled high gamers reminiscent of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik, and Varun Chakravarthy, serving to refine their video games.
Beneath his steering, Rohit Sharma has proven improved health and efficiency post-IPL 2025, whereas Rahul has additionally been in good type since their coaching periods.
Abhishek Nayar’s transient worldwide profession
Abhishek Nayar had a quick worldwide profession, taking part in simply three ODIs for India after debuting in 2009, with solely a single batting innings.
Nevertheless, his IPL profession has been extra substantial, that includes in 60 matches and scoring 672 runs. Not too long ago, Nayar skilled Rohit Sharma forward of the Australia tour, serving to the batter enhance health and even lose 11 kg.
Chandrakant Pandit’s legacy
Chandrakant Pandit, typically considered the Dronacharya of Indian home cricket, led Vidarbha to back-to-back Ranji Trophy titles in 2018 and 2019 and repeated the feat with Madhya Pradesh in 2022.
Appointed KKR head coach in 2022, Pandit helped the franchise win the IPL after a decade. Nevertheless, KKR struggled in IPL 2025, ending eighth with simply 5 wins in 14 matches, main the workforce to half methods with him in July 2025.