Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday appointed Abhishek Nayar as its head coach for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Nayar replaces Chandrakant Pandit, who served as head coach of Knight Riders from IPL 2023 to 2025, and led the franchise to the title in 2024. However, after KKR finished eighth in the standings this year, the team parted ways with Pandit, paving the way for Nayar to take charge. Though Nayar had joined KKR midway into the IPL 2025 season, things still did not go its way.

The 42-year-old also worked for a year with the Indian team as assistant coach, before his contract was terminated in April.

Nayar has had a long association with KKR. He was part of the team’s backroom staff in the IPL from 2018 to 2024. Over the years, Nayar has worked with some of the biggest names of Indian cricket, including Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer. He is also known for scouting young talents.

“Abhishek’s understanding of the game and connection with players have been key to our growth. We’re thrilled to see him take over as the head coach,” said KKR CEO Venky Mysore.

Interestingly, Nayar is also the head coach of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League, and it needs to be seen whether he continues the dual roles.

Nayar played 60 IPL matches between 2008 and 2014, representing four teams — Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Pune Warriors India and Rajasthan Royals.

The former all-rounder also played three One-Day Internationals for India in 2009.

Published on Oct 30, 2025