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Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has parted ways with a different T20 franchise in the middle of IPL 2026.
The development comes at a crucial time for KKR following their loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday. While the loss hasn't sprung KKR out of IPL 2026 yet, the hopes are growing slimmer by the minute.
Virat Kohli's century ends KKR's four-match winning streak
After not winning any of their first 6 matches, KKR seemed to be on the redemption path by winning 4 in a row, until they ran into RCB and Virat Kohli in Raipur on Thursday.
By modern T20 standards, KKR had an arguably uneventful first innings after RCB decided to bowl first. Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck again in the powerplay to remove a dangerous-looking Finn Allen. Ajinkya Rahane couldn't capitalise on his start, and Cameron Green made some runs, just not fast enough.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi's half-century and Rinku Singh's unbeaten 49 set RCB a target of 193, which ultimately proved insufficient.
Jacob Bethell left early, but Virat Kohli survived a dropped chance at 21 and made it hurt. Kohli and Padikkal put up 92 in around 10 overs, firmly putting the match in RCB's grasp.
Kartik Tyagi made things a little difficult with his three-wicket haul, but Kohli made an unbeaten century as RCB were home in the last over.
Abhishek Nayar as head coach
After his exit as the Assistant Coach of India under Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar was appointed as the Head Coach of both the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and the UP Warriorz in the WPL.
As Warriorz Head Coach, Nayar was criticised for his unorthodox decision-making that seemed to backfire more often than not. Despite assembling what many felt was the best squad on paper, UPW finished last in WPL 2026.
Abhishek Nayar hasn't been able to turn KKR's fortunes around either. After finishing eighth in IPL 2025, KKR remain at that position in IPL 2026 too. With 4 wins and a no result in 11 matches, time is running out for KKR to stage a comeback in the tournament.
Also Read: “It’s all God’s grace”: Virat Kohli after equalling Rohit Sharma’s legendary IPL record
Abhishek Nayar confirms exit from Maratha Royals
As reported by Mumbai Mirror, Abhishek Nayar has ended his association with the Maratha Royals in the T20 Mumbai League. Nayar served as the franchise's mentor last year when they won the tournament.
Batter Siddesh Lad will be leading the team this year, while former Mumbai all-rounder Amit Dani remains their head coach. Dani will also have Jude Singh and Omkar Khanvilkar as assistant coaches.
In today's Mumbai Mirror:) pic.twitter.com/epHuKFezT2
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) May 14, 2026
Nayar confirmed this development himself on the sidelines of IPL 2026. This means that he will continue to be the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and UP Warriorz in the WPL.
The fourth edition of the T20 Mumbai League will take place between June 1 and June 13 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, as announced by the Mumbai Cricket Association.
2026 will also play host to the first edition of the women's T20 Mumbai League.
