Former striker Abhishek Nayar returned to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) only a few days after being moved as an assistant coach of Team India. The Knight Riders welcomed it again in their configuration, because the franchise had initially described it as assistant coach, but the position was deleted later.
The BCCI has made changes to the national team support staff after the team’s bad defeat 1-3 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. Abhishek Nayar, coach of the staging T Dilip and the strength of force and packaging Soham Desai were withdrawn from their role in the support staff of Gautam Gambir.
“Everyone in Indian cricket knew” about the dismissal of Abhishek Nayar
According to a PTI report, the BCCI was not surprised by the return of Abhishek Nayar to Kolkata Knight Riders. The report also revealed that Nayar’s return to KKR was almost certain when the BCCI let him go, despite the “hostile” dismissal.
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“Abhishek would never be without work even if he has been dismissed in a very hostile way. Everyone in Indian cricket knew that the moment when BCCI gets rid of him, Kkr would return to their lap,” an IPL source under anonymity.
Nayar’s mandate as assistant coach of Team India ended only eight months ago. He had worked alongside Gambhir during the Kolkata Knight Riders coach configuration during the 2024 IPL season. Nayar also received credit for his behind the scenes with several cricket players, including KL Rahul.
Abhishek Nayar joins the configuration of KKR training before the match against Gujarat Titans
Abhishek Nayar has not lost time returning to a role as a coach. He joined the Kolkata Knight Riders before their next match against the Gujarat Titans in Eden Gardens on Monday, April 21. Nayar was seen in Kolkata alongside KKR head coach Chandrakanth Pandit in preparation for the home match.
KKR confirmed his return to the team, publishing a welcoming message on X: “Welcome home, Abhishek Nayar.” The franchise initially described him as assistant coach in a position, but he was quickly deleted.
Welcome home, @ abhisheknayar1 💜 pic.twitter.com/iwjqtnawxa
– Kolkataknighriders (@Kkriders) April 19, 2025
Nayar has already worked closely with players during training sessions. His return created a buzz in the KKR camp, the players warmly engaging with him. Nayar had played a key role in the creation and management of the KKR Academy in Mumbai, the team training center for years.
Kolkata Knight Riders aims to bounce back after the defeat of the Kings of Punjab
Kolkata Knight Riders will seek to return to their defeat against the kings of Punjab (pbks). After seven games this season, KKR won three and lost four.
They underwent an average dramatic collapse in their last match, where they went from 62/2 to 95 while pursuing a modest target of 112. It was the lowest total ever defended in the history of the IPL.
With four of their next seven games planned at home, KKR hopes to climb the point table. They are currently in sixth place and have focused on securing a place in the top four.
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