IPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar Named Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders

By Akshay - Oct 30, 2025 05:00 PM
Last updated on Oct 30, 2025 05:01 PM

IPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar Named Head Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders: The next season of the IPL (Indian Premier League) is still far away, but teams have already begun their preparations. Next month, in November, all ten teams will have to announce which players they want to retain and which ones they want to let go so the BCCI can prepare for the next auction. Meanwhile, important news has emerged: KKR has appointed its new head coach.

Abhishek Nayar becomes KKR head coach -

Abhishek Nayar will be the new head coach of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. Previously, Chandrakant Pandit held this position. However, this marks Nair's return to KKR. He previously served as an assistant coach for the same team. Previously, Nair also served as head coach of the UP Warriors in the Women's Premier League.

Meanwhile, a report by Cricinfo revealed that Chandrakant Pandit, who served with the team for three years, has now departed. During Pandit's tenure, KKR won the IPL title in 2024, marking the team's first successful IPL trophy in nearly ten years. However, the team's performance was poor last season, finishing eighth in the points table under Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy.

Nair has coached Team India -

Abhishek Nair, who has played three ODIs for the Indian team, has previously coached several teams. He was previously associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders in some capacity. He also briefly served as Team India's head coach, but had to leave. Now, Abhishek Nair will be tasked with rebuilding the KKR team.

A new dawn is upon us ?☀ pic.twitter.com/hQZLFSuaCm

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 30, 2025

IPL retentions to be announced next month -

Next month, in November, will reveal which teams have retained which players and which have been let go. Therefore, the coming days will be very interesting. Immediately after his appointment, Abhishek will have to decide which players he wants to retain.

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