April 19, 2025: In a surprising turn of events, former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar has made his return to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coaching staff ahead of IPL 2025.
The defending champions made the announcement via a post on X (formerly Twitter), welcoming the seasoned cricketer back to the fold. The post read, “Welcome back home, @abhisheknayar1,” signaling his reintegration into the KKR family.
However, Nayar’s return comes after a series of events that led to his unexpected departure from the Indian team management. Following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series against Australia, the BCCI made a controversial decision to part ways with Nayar, along with fielding coach T Dilip and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. India’s failure to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final—after a shocking 3-1 defeat to Australia—left a bitter taste, and it was clear that the BCCI was looking for changes in the team management.
Nayar, who had joined the Indian support staff as an assistant coach alongside former Netherlands star Ryan Ten Doeschate, had been a part of the Indian setup during their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Prior to that, he had been a prominent figure in KKR’s coaching structure, where he had helped guide the team alongside former captain Gautam Gambhir, leading them to a 2024 IPL title victory with captain Shreyas Iyer.
While Nayar’s tenure with India had been short-lived, his previous success with KKR was undeniable. His “Kolkata Knight Riders touch” had been a focal point in the media, with some sources inside the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggesting that the veteran cricketer’s association with KKR was not well received. The Board’s dissatisfaction with the performance and perceived culture of the Indian dressing room during the BGT series may have played a significant role in his removal.
Despite the controversy, Nayar’s return to KKR has been widely celebrated. He is regarded as a key asset in the team’s coaching staff, known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing insights. KKR, who are currently placed sixth in the IPL 2025 points table, have struggled with consistency this season, with three wins and four losses. Their most recent match was a shambolic loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS), where KKR were bowled out for just 95 runs while chasing a meager target of 112. It’s clear that KKR needs some direction and a revival of their championship-winning form, and Nayar’s experience might just provide the spark they need.
KKR’s next match will be a crucial one against Gujarat Titans (GT) at Eden Gardens on Monday. The team will be hoping that Nayar’s return can help them get back on track as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs and defend their IPL title.
As for Nayar, this return to KKR feels like a homecoming of sorts. His journey with the team has always been marked by his quiet influence and technical understanding of the game. After a turbulent stint with the Indian team, this is a fresh chapter in Nayar’s career, where he will look to bring stability and success to the Knights once again.