Abhishek Nayar returns to KKR's coaching team

In a twist of events, just ahead of the Indian Premier League clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT), scheduled on April 21, 2025, Abhishek Nayar, who was recently sacked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is all set to join KKR’s coaching team in the IPL 2025 season.

The 41-year-old, who became the Indian cricket team’s assistant coach in July 2025, was sacked by the BCCI, but now he is returning once again.

Abhishek Nayar is making a comeback to KKR again

KKR on Saturday announced the inclusion of Abhishek Nayar to its coaching staff for the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. However, he had already worked with KKR since 2018, being involved with the coaching team and their academy.

As mentioned already, Nayar worked with Kolkata Knight Riders before in 2024 when KKR won the IPL after a long wait of 10 years.

Welcome back home, @abhisheknayar1 💜 pic.twitter.com/IwJQTnAWxa

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 19, 2025

Who is Abhishek Nayar?

Gautam Gambhir, who served as KKR’s mentor during IPL 2024, appointed Abhishek Nayar as his assistant after he took over the role of head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.

On the other hand, earlier this week, both Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach, and T. Dilip, the fielding coach, were relieved of their duties. Nayar’s tenure with Team India was marked by a mix of historic highs and significant setbacks.

Credit: X

Why was Abhishek Nayar sacked?

According to PTI, most reports claimed that Nayar was after India’s poor performance on the Tour of Australia. PTI further came with an interesting report saying that Nayar’s removal was based on the cards after Sitanshu Kotak was added to the Indian team’s support staff as a batting coach. 

Netizens react to Abhishek Nayar’s comeback

As soon as the news surfaced on the internet, netizens flooded social media with their thoughts. One said, “Welcome back home, Abhishek Nayar!Didn't know it will happen so fast 😂. One down one to go! GG next!”

“Abhishek Nayar with KKR team. He has already joined the camp.”

Abhishek Nayar with KKR team. He has already joined the camp. pic.twitter.com/ga5Y6s50pc

— Sheeth 🔻 (@iTheBeliver) April 19, 2025

“Abhishek Nayar The man who makes comebacks cooler than ever”

Abhishek Nayar The man who makes comebacks cooler than ever

— Banter bhai (@banterbhai) April 19, 2025

“Hope so,hope for positive result after coming of Abhishek Nayar”

Hope so,hope for positive result after coming of Abhishek Nayar

— Murddock (@basekfan) April 19, 2025