Abhishek Nayar, the newly appointed head coach of the UP Warriorz (UPW), has opened up about the steep learning curve involved in his first full-time stint in women’s cricket. Despite an illustrious coaching career with the Indian men’s senior team and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, Nayar admitted that his early days in the ongoing WPL season have been more demanding than he initially anticipated.
The UP Warriorz faced a grueling start to their campaign, suffering three consecutive defeats before finally finding their rhythm with a crucial victory over the Mumbai Indians. Nayar noted that while he had previously conducted short training camps with the team, the day-to-day management of a women’s side requires a significantly more “hands-on” approach and a shift in communication style.
The Nuances of Coaching in Women’s Cricket
According to Nayar, one of the biggest differences between coaching men and women is the level of technical detail required during instruction. In the men’s game, years of shared experience often allow for a “shorthand” between coaches and players. However, in the WPL, Nayar has found that players value a more granular breakdown of tactics.
“In men’s cricket, if you say ‘go over covers,’ they often know exactly which ball to do it to,” Nayar explained. “In women’s cricket, the attention to detail is higher. You need to break it down in ways that aren’t always as obvious as you might think.” He also highlighted that women players are exceptionally receptive to feedback, which has pushed him to be more vocal and communicative than he was in the IPL environment.
Nayar cited recent tactical challenges, such as the Harleen Deol “retired-out” situation, as moments that have tested his adaptability. He admitted that building trust takes time but viewed the experience as a personal growth opportunity that is even preparing him for future IPL seasons in a unique way.
Meg Lanning: The “Meticulous” Leader Driving the Turnaround
A key factor in the Warriorz’ ability to bounce back after three losses has been the leadership of their new captain, Meg Lanning. Nayar was full of praise for the Australian legend, describing her as the “boss” of the team and a leader who leads by example through a tireless work ethic.
Lanning’s approach involves more than just tactical field placements; she is deeply involved in the data-driven side of the modern game. Nayar noted that Lanning constantly “tests” the coaching staff with questions regarding:
- Player Match-ups: Analyzing which bowler is best suited for specific batters.
- Advanced Statistics: Utilizing data to find marginal gains.
- Skill Assessment: Meticulously learning the individual strengths and weaknesses of her domestic Indian teammates.
Beyond the leadership at the top, Nayar also addressed the form of opener Kiran Navgire. Despite a string of low scores, the coach is standing firmly behind her, emphasizing that the team is working to provide her the “freedom” to play her natural aggressive game. To help her find rhythm, the team even experimented with tactical shifts, such as having Lanning take the first ball of the match to shield Navgire from early pressure.
As the WPL season progresses, Nayar remains optimistic that the combination of Lanning’s meticulous planning and his own evolving coaching style will see the UP Warriorz climb further up the table.
