IPL 2025: Abhishek Nayar Returns to KKR Support Crew After Indian Team Exit

Synopsis

Abhishek Nayar has rejoined Kolkata Knight Riders as part of their support staff after his recent removal from the Indian men's cricket team. Nayar, who previously contributed to KKR's success and player development, will participate in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.

Key Takeaways

Abhishek Nayar rejoined KKR shortly after leaving the Indian team.
He previously worked with KKR from IPL 2018.
Nayar was part of the winning squad in IPL 2024.
The BCCI has yet to comment on his removal from the national team.
His return has raised questions in the cricket community.

New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) Just days after his removal as assistant coach of the Indian men’s cricket squad, Abhishek Nayar has officially rejoined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) support team for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Nayar previously served KKR from IPL 2018, focusing on developing young Indian talent in the franchise's academy located in Mumbai. He was part of the victorious squad in IPL 2024, before transitioning to the role of assistant coach for the Indian team, following Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new head coach in July last year.

Both Gambhir and Nayar were praised by players such as KL Rahul and Varun Chakaravarthy for their remarkable efforts in revitalizing white-ball cricket careers, having collaborated during KKR's IPL 2024 triumph. The franchise welcomed him back via social media, stating, “Welcome back home.”

KKR confirmed that Nayar has rejoined the support team and is expected to participate in their training session at Eden Gardens on Saturday evening, just before the home game against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Monday.

According to IANS, Nayar, along with fielding coach T. Dilip, strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai, and a masseur, were removed from their positions in the Indian team ahead of the five-match Test tour to England starting on June 20.

Interestingly, the BCCI has not yet released an official statement regarding Nayar’s exit from the national coaching staff, which followed a series of defeats against New Zealand (3-0) at home and Australia (3-1) away.

There was ambiguity regarding Nayar’s position in the Indian team after Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as the batting coach prior to India's five-match T20I series against England earlier this year.

Nayar's re-entry into the KKR setup amidst IPL 2025 has sparked curiosity within the cricket community about how he was permitted to join a franchise so soon after his departure from the national squad.