Kolkata: The next season of the IPL (Indian Premier League) is still far away, but franchises are already gearing up for their preparations. Next month, in November, all ten teams will have to announce which players they intend to retain and which ones they intend to release. Meanwhile, KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) has taken a major step and announced their new head coach.
KKR New Head Coach
Abhishek Nayar will now be KKR’s head coach. Previously, this position was held by Chandrakant Pandit. Nayar’s appointment signals a new beginning for the team. Previously, he served as an assistant coach at KKR and also served as head coach of the UP Warriors in the Women’s Premier League.
A new dawn is upon us 💜☀ pic.twitter.com/hQZLFSuaCm
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 30, 2025
Last Season Was Disappointing For KKR
Chandrakant Pandit, who was with the team for three years, has now bid farewell to KKR. During his tenure, the team won the 2024 IPL title, a feat achieved after nearly ten years. However, the previous season was disappointing for the team. Under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, the team finished eighth in the points table.
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Last season, the team failed to meet the expectations of both the team and the spectators. Therefore, Nair’s appointment is being considered an important step towards rebuilding the team.
Nayar’s Experience
Abhishek Nayar is a well-known figure in Indian cricket. He has played three ODIs for the Indian team. He also has extensive coaching experience. Nayar has previously worked with KKR in various roles and was also the head coach of Team India. However, his tenure with Team India ended mid-season.
Now, Nayar is responsible for rebuilding KKR. With his experience and strategic approach, the team is expected to recover from previous defeats and return to the field with renewed energy.
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IPL Retentions in November
In November, teams will decide which players will be retained and which will be released. This process directly impacts team strategy and the upcoming auction. Nayar will have to decide immediately upon his appointment which players will remain part of the team and which will be given opportunities in the new direction.
The coming weeks will be crucial, as the team’s hard work, strategy, and player selection will determine the direction of the upcoming IPL 2026.