Former Indian and current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has begun a new coaching chapter in his career. After finding success in the T20 format via the Indian Premier League (IPL), the 41-year-old has decided to broaden his horizon.
Nayar will now coach in the world’s biggest women’s T20 franchise league, the Women’s Premier League (WPL). He has been named Jon Lewis’ replacement for the WPL 2026 season as the head coach of UP Warriorz. After announcing his retirement from international cricket, Nayar has built an incredible resume as a coach.
Abhishek Nayar’s coaching laurels
From 2018, he was heading KKR Academy and joined the team’s support staff as their assistant coach in the IPL as well. In 2022, he was appointed Trinbago Knight Riders’ head coach in the Caribbean Premier League. He stayed with KKR until IPL 2024, which they won.
Post that, he joined KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir as part of Team India’s support staff. Like KKR, Nayar was named India’s assistant coach as well. However, the stint didn’t last long. After two back-to-back Test series defeats, the BCCI removed Nayar in January of 2025.
He came back as KKR assistant coach for IPL 2025, this time working under Chandrakanth Pandit. He also worked as the mentor of the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the T20 Mumbai League 2025. Now, Nayar has joined the WPL bandwagon as well.
“Bringing Abhishek Nayar on board as head coach feels like a natural and exciting step forward for UP Warriorz. When someone of Abhishek’s calibre became available, it was a no-brainer. Few in Indian cricket bring the same depth of experience when it comes to shaping players and shaping winning cultures.”
“In just the past 18 months alone, Abhishek has been part of three championship-winning campaigns, each in a different role, each leaving a lasting impact. We are thrilled to have him lead a Warriorz side that’s united, fearless, and hungry to grow. With Abhishek at the helm, we believe this group can do something truly special,” Kshemal Waingankar, COO and director of cricket at UPW, told ESPNcricinfo.
KKR’s Abhishek Nayar begins WPL journey, appointed head coach of UP Warriorz Inside Sport India.
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