Abhishek Nayar Appointed as New Assistant Coach of KKR for IPL 2025

Just days after being removed from his role as assistant coach of the Indian national team, Abhishek Nayar is back with familiar faces. He has rejoined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as part of their support staff. His return to the franchise, where he once played a key role in developing talent behind the scenes, almost felt inevitable.

"Abhishek Nayar has rejoined our support staff. He is likely to be at training at Eden today," KKR confirmed on Saturday, April 19. Interestingly, this announcement came even before the BCCI had formally declared his exit from the India setup. Nayar’s connection with KKR runs deep. He was previously in charge of the KKR academy and is credited with playing a big role in shaping the next generation of players at the franchise. Sources close to the team had hinted earlier in the week that KKR’s doors would always be open for Nayar, especially given how highly the management rates him. 

On Saturday evening, Nayar was spotted at Eden Gardens during the team’s training session ahead of their upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans on Monday. He now rejoins a coaching unit that already includes Chandrakant Pandit as head coach, Bharat Arun as bowling coach, and Dwayne Bravo in a mentor role.  

His return to KKR comes after some internal friction following India’s tour of Australia, where his position in the national team setup was questioned during a review meeting. Feedback was reportedly collected from various corners, including players and senior staff, and that eventually led to his contract being cut short.  

What’s even more intriguing is the backdrop involving head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had personally brought Nayar on board when he took over. Gambhir and Nayar have a long-standing working relationship, having collaborated during their earlier stint at KKR. But according to a BCCI official quoted by Hindustan Times, “Gambhir did not oppose (to Nayar’s sacking). He had to go through a lot of negotiations to bring Ten Doeschate and Morkel on board. There was no way he was going to let them go this early.” For Nayar, it’s a swift return to familiar turf — and for KKR, a reunion with someone they know can make a quiet but powerful impact behind the scenes. 

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