KKR's Coaching Staff 2026

Jatin

KKR's Coaching Staff 2026 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]KKR's Coaching Staff 2026 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are getting ready for IPL 2026 with one mission: to reclaim the crown for the fourth time. After winning the title in 2024, KKR's performance and success rate dipped dramatically, with neither of Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer in the set up.  

The franchise will be hoping for a twist in the fortune in the upcoming IPL season. With new names joining the coaching contingent, here’s the lowdown on KKR’s coaching lineup for 2026.

KKR’s Coaching Staff 2026

Head Coach: Abhishek Nayar

In Ooctober 2025, Abhishek Nayar was appointed the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026. Nayar has replaced Chandrakant Pandit for the role. It is a step-up from being an assistant coach till 2025. 

Nayar, who is 42, has played for Mumbai in the domestic circuit and three ODIs for India in 2009. The former all-rounder has an extensive coaching history, joining as the lead coach of the KKR academy in 2018. 

Assistant Coach: Shane Watson

Mid November, 2025, Kolkata Knight Riders appointed the Austrlian 2-time ODI World Cup winner, Shane Watson as the assistant coach. Having previously coaches CSK and RCB in the cash rich tournament, Watson brings in with him a wealth of international experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of modern-day franchise cricket.

KKR Mentor: Dwayne Bravo

Ahead of the 18 edition, Dwayne Bravo had joined KKR as the mentor. The T20 specialist, Bravo is renowned for his exceptional career for West Indies as well as in franchise cricket. 

Over his illustrious career, he has played 582 T20 matches, taken 631 wickets, and scored nearly 7,000 runs. Bravo's experience is unparalleled, having won more championship wins than any other cricketer.

KKR Support Staff

Here’s the lineup of professionals making sure the players are fit, focused, and match-ready:

Role
Name
PhysiotherapistPrasanth Panchada
Assistant PhysiotherapistAbhishek Ashok Sawant
Massage TherapistSubhajit Das
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Chris Donaldson
AnalystNathan Leamon
Team ManagerAdrian Wayne Bentley

Evolution of Coaching Staff Over the Years

KKR has always relied on top-notch coaching to stay competitive. Here’s a quick look at how their head coaches have changed over time:

Year
Head Coach
2008-2009John Buchanan
2010-2011Dav Whatmore
2012-2015Trevor Bayliss
2016-2019Jacques Kallis
2020-2022Brendon McCullum
2023-2025Chandrakant Pandit
2026-PresentAbhishek Nayar

Achievements Under Current Coaching Staff

Under previous KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit, the team didn’t waste any time in leaving their mark. Here’s what they’ve accomplished so far:

  • IPL 2024 Title: With Pandit at the helm, KKR clinched their third IPL title after a decade. His coaching and plans leadership were pivotal to their success.
  • Bowling Brilliance: Bharathi Arun transformed the bowling unit and helped them deliver in crunch situations.
  • Player Development: Under the current KKR coaching team, several young players rose to the occasion and performed like pros.

FAQs: KKR’s Coaching Staff

Q.1 Who is the present coach of KKR?

Ans. In October 2025, Abhishek Nayar was appointed head coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season, succeeding Chandrakant Pandit. 

Q.2 Who is the new mentor of KKR?

Ans. Dwanye Bravo continues the role of KKR mentor in IPL 2026, after being appointed in 2025.

Q.3 Who is the new assistant coach of KKR 2026?

Ans. In mid-November, former Australian cricketer Shane Watson was named the new assistant coach ahead of the KKR 2026.

Q.4 Why did Gautam Gambhir leave KKR mentorship?

Ans. Gautam Gambhir moved on from the KKR mentorship role to join the Indian cricket team as the head coach in 2024.