Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed Abhishek Nayar as the new Head Coach of the franchise. Nayar succeeds Chandrakant Pandit, following the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season.
A long-serving member of the KKR family, Nayar has been associated with the franchise since 2018, contributing immensely to its player development programs through his role in the support staff and academy structure. His deep understanding of the game, combined with a strong focus on nurturing young talent, has made him one of the most respected coaches in Indian cricket.
In addition to his contributions to KKR, Nayar also served as Assistant Coach of the Indian men’s national team in 2024 under Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, where he worked closely with several of India’s top cricketers.
“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 his close connection with the squad have been key to our success. We are delighted to see him step into the role of Head Coach and lead KKR into its next chapter,” said Venky Mysore, CEO, Kolkata Knight Riders.
The appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, as KKR looks to build on its recent successes and prepare for the future under a coach who embodies the team’s vision, values, and spirit of fearless cricket.
