IPL 2026: KKR head coach Nayar promises 'season of opportunities' amid major changes

Kolkata: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) go into a new IPL season with a number of new faces and also some holes to fill. Abhishek Nayar, who takes over as the side’s new head coach after playing a big role in looking after their academy, feels “it will be a season of opportunities” for both the support staff and players.

With a dressing room boasting Dwayne Bravo as ‘mentor’, Shane Watson as assistant coach and Tim Southee as bowling coach, along with the franchise’s long-time finisher Andre Russell sitting in the dugout in a new role as ‘power coach’, Nayar feels his job is now easier. “For me, the designation has changed but the role remains pretty similar. It’s amazing to have such a leadership group.




“Both skipper Ajinkya (Rahane) and I will rely a lot on our whole support group to make sure that we can sort out the challenges throughout the season. The players are going to enjoy the luxury of having that much input in the dressing room,” Nayar said.

The former Mumbai cricketer is happy with the form of the current crop of players but feels the team needs to get the combinations right. “The priority is making sure our combinations are working. Yes, everyone is in form but positioning them well enough is important,” Nayar said.

With no Russell this time, Nayar felt players like Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh and others will get more opportunities. “Rinku has done it for India for many years. And Raman has done it for us in the season that we won the championship. So we are very hopeful they can replicate their performances,” Nayar said.



Rana out for rest of season?

The team management said they were awaiting a medical update from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on key pacer Harshit Rana. “Once the medical team communicates to us, we’ll let you know,” Nayar said, adding, “It’s not easy to replace Harshit Rana. But over the past few days, we’ve looked at a few bowlers.”

Navdeep Saini, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, Sandeep Warrier and KM Asif are some of the fast bowlers that KKR called up during their practice at the Eden Gardens this week. “Losing some of the key bowling options is not what you plan for but you have to accept it,” Bravo said, adding, “The good thing is that there’s a lot of depth.”

KKR are also waiting to hear on Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana’s injury. “Pathirana is undergoing rehabilitation. He will undergo tests after that,” Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a release.

Celebrating India's sporting legends at the Times of India Sports Awards - Book Passes Now!