US EditionIPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders set to appoint Abhishek Nayar as head coach
- On October 26, 2025, The Indian Express reported Abhishek Nayar, former India assistant coach, is set to be appointed Kolkata Knight Riders head coach, with the franchise informing him last week.
- Following a disappointing IPL 2025 season, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders finished eighth with five wins from 14 matches, prompting a review of coaching including Chandrakant Pandit, KKR head coach appointed 2022.
- Nayar has coached top internationals including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik and Varun Chakravarthy; recently, he trained Rohit Sharma, helping him lose 11 kg ahead of the Australia tour.
- The 42-year-old Nayar's promotion did not surprise many given his long service with the franchise and prior KKR roles, while observers note it will be interesting whether he holds head-coach roles for two franchises in separate leagues.
- By contrast, his India international record includes just three ODIs after a 2009 debut, while his IPL playing career featured 60 matches and 672 runs, prompting scrutiny of his coaching role.
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14 Articles
The Kolkata Knight Riders had a disappointing performance in IPL 2025, finishing in eighth place. Following the poor performance, head coach Chandrakant Pandit announced his departure from the team.
Abhishek Nayar set to be named as KKR head coach ahead of IPL 2026: Report
Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar is set to take over the Kolkata Knight Riders. Nayar, who coached UP Warriorz last season in the WPL is reportedly communicated the decision last week by the franchise.
Abhishek Nayar Set to Become New Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead of IPL 2026 Season: Report | 🏏 LatestLY
Former cricketer Abhishek Nayar is all set to become the new head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Previously, Nayar joined KKR during the IPL 2025 season as support staff, following his removal from the assistant coach position of the India national cricket team. 🏏 Abhishek Nayar Set to Become New Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead of IPL 2026 Season: Report.
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