In a significant move for Indian cricket, former all-rounder Abhishek Nayar is being considered for the role of India’s new assistant coach. The news comes on the heels of India’s appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach. Gambhir, who recently mentored the 2024 IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has expressed high regard for Nayar’s contributions as an assistant coach at KKR since 2018 and envisions him as a crucial part of his coaching team.
Nayar’s rapport with India’s ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma is expected to further solidify his position. Notably, wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik credited Nayar’s coaching methods for his career resurgence, while KKR leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy also praised Nayar’s impactful role following their IPL triumph in May.
KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit highlighted Nayar’s year-round dedication to nurturing domestic players, often conducting individual practice sessions in Mumbai. Nayar’s mentoring extends to several youngsters, including KKR captain and India batter Shreyas Iyer. His passion for Mumbai cricket is evident as he frequently participates in Mumbai’s training camps at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), offering valuable guidance without charging the Mumbai Cricket Association.
The 40-year-old Nayar, who played three ODIs for India in 2009, has garnered respect for his commitment and expertise, making him an ideal candidate for the assistant coach position.
In related developments, the BCCI is considering former pace bowler Zaheer Khan as the new bowling coach for the men’s team. Gambhir has also proposed former India and Karnataka speedster Vinay Kumar for the role, with L Balaji being another potential candidate.
Additionally, there is a possibility of retaining fielding coach T Dilip from Rahul Dravid’s outgoing coaching staff, ensuring some continuity within the team’s support structure.
The potential addition of Abhishek Nayar and Zaheer Khan to India’s coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir marks a strategic move to leverage their extensive experience and expertise. With a focus on nurturing young talent and enhancing team performance, these appointments could significantly impact the future of Indian cricket.
