Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday announced the appointment of Abhishek Nayar as the head coach for IPL 2026. This comes after Chandu Pandit parted ways with the team following a disappointing season where the franchise managed just five wins in 14 matches.
Pandit served as the head coach for KKR for three years, including a title winning season in 2024.
Nayar has been associated with the franchise for a long time in several different capacities such as assistant coach and talent scout. He played a key role in unearthing promising talents like Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana.
In the 2025 IPL season, Nayar joined KKR management mid-season after he was released from team India duties in the middle of The tournament.
The former cricketer has earned himself a reputation of guiding players through their bad phases, helping them return to peak form. Nayar was part of the support staff alongside current India head coach Gautam Gambhir when the team won their third IPL title in 2024.
He then went on to join the Indian cricket team backroom staff along with Gambhir before being relieved of his duties after the Champions Trophy win.
Upon the announcement, Venky Mysore, CEO, 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."
Pandit served as the head coach for KKR for three years, including a title winning season in 2024.
Nayar has been associated with the franchise for a long time in several different capacities such as assistant coach and talent scout. He played a key role in unearthing promising talents like Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana.
In the 2025 IPL season, Nayar joined KKR management mid-season after he was released from team India duties in the middle of The tournament.
What started in 2018 comes full circle today! 🥺🙌 pic.twitter.com/PmnyDFqTGX
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 30, 2025
The former cricketer has earned himself a reputation of guiding players through their bad phases, helping them return to peak form. Nayar was part of the support staff alongside current India head coach Gautam Gambhir when the team won their third IPL title in 2024.
He then went on to join the Indian cricket team backroom staff along with Gambhir before being relieved of his duties after the Champions Trophy win.
Upon the announcement, Venky Mysore, CEO, 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."
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