Archive · 26 Oct 2025
Abhishek Nayar to Become KKR Head Coach for IPL 2026
Abhishek Nayar, who used to coach part of the Indian cricket team, will now be the head coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
He was previously the batting coach for KKR, helping them win in 2024.
He also led the KKR Academy, training young players.
KKR decided to replace their coach Chandrakant Pandit.
Nayar has also coached other teams, bringing experience to his new role.
He was also part of the Indian team's coaching staff but was let go after some losses.
Abhishek Nayar will replace Chandrakant Pandit as KKR's head coach.
The formal announcement is expected soon.
Nayar was previously the batting coach when KKR won the IPL 2024 title.
Nayar led the KKR Academy and mentored young players.
Chandrakant Pandit's tenure ended after KKR missed the 2025 playoffs.
- Who
- Abhishek Nayar
- What
- Replacing Chandrakant Pandit as KKR's head coach
- When
- For the IPL 2026 season
- Where
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Why
- Pandit was let go after KKR did not make the 2025 playoffs.
- New Head Coach
- Abhishek Nayar
- Team
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Previous Role
- KKR Academy Chief
- IPL Title Won
- 2024 (as Batting Coach)
- Previous Coach
- Chandrakant Pandit
- Pandit's Tenure
- 3 seasons
Sources
Abhishek Nayar appointed Kolkata Knight Riders head coach
Removed As India's Coach, Former India All-Rounder Set For Promotion At KKR
Abhishek Nayar to manage two franchises? Former India support staff named KKR head coach ahead of IPL 2026 - Report
IPL 2026: Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar set to become KKR head coach: Report