In a significant development for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the three-time champions have announced that Abhishek Nayar will take over as head coach, replacing Chandrakant Pandit for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season.
Nayar brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the KKR franchise, having been an integral part of the team since 2018. During his tenure, he has served in various support staff roles and as a vital mentor for the young talent emerging from the team’s academy. His expertise isn’t limited to the franchise level, as he also contributed as an assistant coach for the Indian national team last year.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his enthusiasm for Nayar’s new role, stating, “Abhishek’s understanding of the game and his strong connection with players have been absolutely crucial to our growth. We are incredibly thrilled to see him step into the role of head coach.” This appointment signals KKR’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and leveraging Nayar’s comprehensive understanding of both team dynamics and player development.