“KKR Is Family to Me,” Says Abhishek Nayar on Return to Kolkata Knight Riders
Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar has made a swift return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after parting ways with the Indian men’s team. Nayar, who was previously a vital part of KKR’s coaching setup, had taken up a role with the national side but was removed following India’s underwhelming performance during the tour of Australia.
Back in the KKR dugout, Nayar is already feeling at home. His return comes at a crucial time for the franchise, especially after the exit of head coach Chandrakant Pandit. Speaking about his comeback, the former Mumbai stalwart expressed deep emotional ties with the franchise.
“KKR is family to me. Everyone throws his weight way too much around the fact that it’s family, but for me, I think it’s family because the speed at which I came back was a testament to the fact that that’s where I belong,” Nayar said in an interview with India Today.
Now rejoining KKR in a leadership role, Nayar is focused on shaping a winning mindset within the team. “I’ve always looked at anything as an opportunity, and this is an opportunity I’m very, very excited for,” he said. “The goal is to create a culture where everyone understands that this franchise plays to win trophies. That’s the mentality we need in our ecosystem.”
Nayar Becomes First Indian Head Coach in WPL with UP Warriorz
While continuing his involvement with KKR in the IPL, Nayar has also taken on a pioneering role in women’s cricket. He was recently appointed as the head coach of the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), becoming the first Indian male to take on a head coach role in the league.
Reflecting on the WPL’s transformative impact on Indian women’s cricket, Nayar pointed out the rapid evolution of skill and athleticism in the women’s game.
“WPL will impact not only Indian cricket, but also Indian domestic cricket,” he said. “It’s very different now from the first year of the WPL. Back then, many players were more touch-oriented. Now, you see much more power—girls are diving, throwing flat and fast. There’s enormous growth, and that’s not going to stop.”
Abhishek Nayar’s dual roles in both the IPL and WPL underline his growing influence in shaping modern Indian cricket—both for men and women. As he settles back into his role at KKR and begins a new journey with the UP Warriorz, Indian fans can expect to see more of his strategic influence in the coming seasons.
