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“That’s Where I Belong…”: Abhishek Nayar Calls KKR His 'Family' After India Exit

Poulomi Chakraborty

Abhishek Nayar In KKR Jersey (Source: @KkrKaravan/x.com)Abhishek Nayar In KKR Jersey (Source: @KkrKaravan/x.com)

Following India’s disappointing Test run in the previous WTC cycle, major changes shook up the team management, with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shown the exit door. Shortly after, Nayar returned to familiar territory, reuniting with KKR in IPL 2025

After that, he has been appointed as the UP Warriorz’s head coach in the upcoming WPL. Ahead of starting the stint, he addressed KKR as his family.

KKR Is Home To Abhishek Nayar

Over the years, the players and support staff made an unbreakable bond with the IPL franchises, such as Abhishek Nayar made with the Kolkata Knight Riders. He has been a reliable person in KKR’s coaching panel since 2018. After their title win in 2024, Nayar parted ways as he was appointed as Team India’s assistant coach.

After he was terminated from his position, he reunited with the franchise during IPL 2025, and KKR addressed it as ‘homecoming’. In a recent chat with PTI, Nayar echoed the sentiment, calling KKR his 'family'.

“KKR is family to me. Everyone throws his weight way too much around the fact that it’s family, but for me, I think it’s family because the speed at which I came back [to the team] was a testament to the fact that that’s where I belong in a lot of ways,” he said.

A New Journey In Horizon

Even after being associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders for a long time, Abhishek Nayar was yet to coach any women’s team in his illustrious coaching career. Ahead of the WPL 2026, he has been appointed as the head coach of the UP Warriorz, starting a new chapter of his career. Ahead of the campaign, Nayar is all excited for the new opportunity.

“I’ve always looked at anything as opportunities, and this is an opportunity, which I’m very, very excited for in that regard. The opportunity is to create a culture where everyone understands that this franchise plays to win trophies, and try and bring that mentality into our ecosystem,” he said.

Associating with KKR since 2018, Nayar has served as the Head of KKR Academy. He played a crucial role in shaping a lot of cricketers' careers. Now, with a new challenge ahead as UP Warriorz head coach, he looks to carry forward his legacy and leave a lasting mark on women’s cricket.