How Did Abhishek Nayar's Mastermind Transform KL Rahul Into A T20 Beast?

Akshita Patel

Abhishek Nayar's role in KL Rahul's redemption [Source: @klrahul, @KKR_Xtra/X.com]Abhishek Nayar's role in KL Rahul's redemption [Source: @klrahul, @KKR_Xtra/X.com]

KL Rahul redeemed himself in the T20 format with a sensational knock of 93* off 53 balls against RCB in IPL 2025. However, there is a special person working hard behind the scenes to unleash Rahul’s true potential.  

Rahul is often rated as one of India’s most technically sound batters. However, he lost grip in white-ball formats due to inconsistencies. KL’s batting order fluctuated often, which further impacted his form. 

However, in IPL 2025, KL Rahul is making waves again. In 3 games, he scored 185 runs, including a match-winning 93* off 53 balls against RCB at his home ground in Chinnaswamy.

Abhishek Nayar Resurrected KL Rahul - The White Ball Beast

Days before the beginning of the IPL 2025 season, KL Rahul practised alone in the nets with India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. He joined DC’s camp late and chose to work behind closed doors with Nayar.

The coach bowled throw-downs and Rahul was captured hitting his shots freely. The results of Nayar’s efforts were seen immediately as the batter scored 77 off 51 against CSK.

Moreover, against RCB in Chinnaswamy, Rahul went all out to hit 93* off 53 balls to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for DC. And this redemption in IPL is just the tip of the iceberg.

Rahul recently revealed that his improvement in white-ball cricket is thanks to coach Abhishek Nayar. After facing criticism for his slow strike rate in T20s, Rahul has made a big change in his batting style. 

He now plays with more intent and aggression and Nayar has played a huge role in bringing the change since he was appointed as the assistant head coach of India’s senior cricket team.

When Abhishek Nayar Saved Dinesh Karthik’s Dying Career

 In 2018, Abhishek Nayar convinced Dinesh Karthik to shift from being a top-order batter to a finisher. Nayar said middle-order batting was tough but impactful, and they began specialised training to prepare for that role. 

Karthik trained in short match-like scenarios and learned to target bowlers in the death overs. Karthik embraced the challenge, performed consistently in IPL for RCB with a strike rate near 195, and earned a return to the Indian team for the 2022 T20 World Cup. His transformation once again proved Abhishek Nayar’s mettle as a component mentor.