Abhishek Nayar Appointed as New Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, Replaces Chandrakant Pandit

Abhishek Nayar Appointed as New Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially appointed Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach, succeeding Chandrakant Pandit, who led the franchise for three seasons, including their championship-winning campaign in IPL 2024.

The decision marks a continuation of KKR’s recent preference for Indian coaches, reinforcing the franchise’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. Nayar, 42, has been part of the KKR setup since 2018, contributing extensively to player development and team culture.

Speaking about the appointment, Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR, said:

“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.”

Earlier in 2025, Nayar was also appointed as head coach of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), further showcasing his growing influence in Indian cricket’s coaching landscape.

Known for his progressive and player-centric coaching methods, Nayar briefly served as an assistant coach with the Indian national team. His work with top Indian cricketers — including KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rohit Sharma — has earned him wide recognition. Many credit Rohit Sharma’s resurgence to the specialized training sessions he underwent with Nayar.

Nayar will continue to work alongside KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo and other existing staff members. The franchise is also in the process of recruiting a new bowling coach, following the departure of Bharat Arun, who has since joined the Lucknow SuperGiants.

With Nayar’s appointment, KKR aims to build on its IPL 2024 triumph and prepare for a strong title defense in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. His modern approach, focus on player welfare, and tactical acumen are expected to usher in a new, exciting era for the two-time IPL champions.