Abhishek Nayar is all set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coaching team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The 41-year-old who became the India cricket team’s assistant coach in July 2024 has been sacked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Abhishek Nayar’s KKR comeback
Nayar hasn’t waited to join another coaching setup. The famed coach are already linked up with the reigning champions KKR before their next match against the Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens. Nayar has already been spotted alongside KKR head coach Chandrakanth Pandit in Kolkata, preparing for the home match on on April 21.
Nayar has longstanding ties with KKR. He has been part of the franchise since 2018. He has worked as the head of the KKR Academy and was the batting coach last year when they lifted their first IPL trophy in 10 years.
Since last year, there have been quite a few changes at KKR. They have a new captain in Ajinkya Rahane. Mentor Gautam Gambhir has been India’s head coach. Venkatesh Iyer has been made vice-captain. Ottis Gibson has become their assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo has come in as a mentor. And Nayar will be joining KKR as their assistant coach as well.
Is Abhishek Nayar joining KKR ethical?
A few questions are bound to be raised. One of them would be: how can BCCI let someone who was part of Team India’s setup until March 9 join a franchise so soon? And the reason behind this is that Abhishek would know the strengths and weaknesses of many players in different franchises. But he’s being allowed to join KKR with 7 group stage matches yet to be played.
When KKR takes on Gujarat Titans, Nayar, who has worked closely with the likes of Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Prasidh Krishna, can help KKR devise strategies against them. This will happen against other teams as well. That certainly gives KKR an advantage over others.
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