The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced a big change to their leadership, naming Abhishek Nayar as the new head coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
Abhishek Nayar becomes KKR's new head coach
Nayar steps into the role, replacing Chandrakant Pandit, with whom the two-time IPL champions decided to part ways after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the team fail to qualify for the playoffs. Nayar brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as an assistant coach for the Indian national team, where he was part of the support staff that helped secure the 2025 Champions Trophy title.
Nayar is a familiar face within the KKR setup, having rejoined the coaching staff as an assistant coach mid-season during IPL 2025. This return came after the completion of his tenure with the Indian national team. His immediate appointment as head coach signifies the franchise's belief in his expertise and vision as they look to rebuild and aim for success in the 2026 IPL tournament.
Abhishek Nayar's deep ties and impact on KKR
Nayar is a deeply familiar figure within the KKR franchise, having contributed for an extended period in various roles, including assistant coach and talent scout. His influence has been pivotal in identifying and nurturing young talent, most notably helping to unearth promising players like Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana. Beyond his talent identification, Nayar, a former cricketer, has built a strong reputation for his ability to mentor players, guiding them through difficult periods and successfully helping them return to their peak form. His strong connection to the team's success is further highlighted by his involvement with KKR's backroom staff in 2024, working alongside Gautam Gambhir, when the franchise secured its third IPL title. Following that victory, Nayar joined Gambhir in the Indian cricket team's support staff. However, his tenure with the national side concluded after their successful 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, which subsequently allowed him to return to the KKR setup. Adding to his coaching credentials, Nayar also recently took on the role of head coach for the Women's Premier League team, UP Warriorz, last season.
This strategic appointment of Nayar comes at a crucial juncture, just ahead of the IPL 2026 retention window and auction. KKR is clearly looking for a significant turnaround after a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where they finished in the eighth spot, securing only five wins against seven losses. The franchise is banking on Nayar's rich history with the team and his proven track record in player development to spearhead a successful rebuilding effort.
“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," KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement.