Former all-rounder Abhishek Nayar replaces Chandrakant Pandit as KKR’s head coach for IPL 2026.
New Delhi
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially announced Abhishek Nayar as their new head coach ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Nayar takes over from Chandrakant Pandit, who stepped down after the 2025 campaign.
Nayar, a long-serving member of the KKR setup, has been with the franchise since 2018, contributing in several roles including assistant coach, mentor, and talent scout. He is widely credited with identifying and nurturing emerging talents such as Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana, both of whom have become integral members of the side.
A former Mumbai all-rounder, Nayar is known for his strong man-management skills and ability to guide players through challenging phases. He previously worked alongside Gautam Gambhir during KKR’s third IPL title triumph in 2024, and later joined Gambhir in the Indian national team’s backroom staff during their victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
Welcoming Nayar to his new role, Venky Mysore, CEO and Managing Director of KKR, said his deep connection with players and understanding of the team’s culture made him the ideal choice to lead the next phase.
“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 connection with players have been key to our growth. We’re thrilled to see him take over as Head Coach and lead KKR into its next chapter,” Mysore said.
With Nayar at the helm, KKR will look to build on recent success and mount another strong challenge for the IPL crown in 2026.