IPL 2025 was a disappointing season for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In the previous season they were the defending champions, but due to inconsistency, they couldn’t qualify for the playoffs. After the heartbreaking campaign, KKR head coach stepped down from the role and the spot since then remain vacant. Now, according to a latest updates, Rohit Sharma’s close friend can be the next head coach for the multi-time IPL winning franchise.
Who will be KKR coach for IPL 2026
There are still many days left for the start of Indian Premier League 2026. But all the teams have already started preparing for the upcoming season keeping in mind. In this connection, a big news is coming out from the Kolkata Knight Riders team. According to media reports, Abhishek Nayar is ready to become the next head coach of KKR. According to the report of Indian Express, the franchise has informed Abhishek Nayar about its decision only last week. It is expected that soon the official announcement of this decision will also be made by the franchise. Abhishek Nayar will replace Chandrakant Pandit as head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Official announcement is yet to come
The franchise removed Pandit as head coach a few months ago. Under his guidance, KKR coached the team for three seasons. During this period, the team won the IPL 2024 title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. Pandit is also renowned for winning the Ranji Trophy six times as a coach in domestic cricket. Rohit Sharma’s close friend Abhishek Nayar isn’t taking on a coaching role in the IPL for the first time.
He has previously served on the coaching staff. He served as KKR’s assistant coach during the 2024 IPL title triumph. He has also served as an assistant coach for the Indian team. However, this is his first time as head coach.