Why Abhishek Nayar Can’t Return to KKR in IPL 2025 Despite His Exit from Team India
Abhishek Nayar’s coaching journey has taken several dramatic turns over the past year. After making a notable impact with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, he followed Gautam Gambhir to the Indian national team. However, in a sudden development, Nayar has reportedly been sacked as Team India’s assistant coach. This decision has sparked speculation about his potential return to KKR in IPL 2025. But despite the obvious connection and timing, there’s one major reason stopping his comeback — at least for now.
What Happened to Abhishek Nayar?
Abhishek Nayar, who joined the Indian national team setup in July 2024, has reportedly been relieved of his duties. According to multiple media reports, the BCCI has informed Nayar, along with T Dilip and Sitanshu Kotak, that their services will not be required from the upcoming England tour onward.
Interestingly, Nayar was one of the key figures handpicked by Gautam Gambhir when he took over as India’s head coach following a successful season with KKR. Alongside Nayar, former KKR coaches Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel were also brought into the national setup. While ten Doeschate and Morkel continue to retain their roles, Nayar’s tenure appears to have been cut short.
Why Can’t He Rejoin KKR Right Now?
Given Nayar’s past association and success with Kolkata Knight Riders, a return to the franchise might seem like a no-brainer. After all, he started his coaching career with KKR back in 2018 and played a crucial role in nurturing the team’s domestic talent pool. But there’s a contractual hurdle standing in his way.
According to a BCCI source quoted by The Times of India, Nayar’s contract with the national side officially runs until May 31, 2025. Despite being informed that he will no longer be a part of the coaching staff, he remains contractually bound to the BCCI until the end of May. That means Nayar cannot legally associate with any IPL franchise, including KKR, during the ongoing 2025 season — which ends before his BCCI contract expires.
A Look at the Coaching Shuffle
Here’s a quick breakdown of the coaching transitions and how they affect IPL and Team India:
Abhishek Nayar: Sacked as Team India’s assistant coach. Contract valid till May 31, 2025. Cannot join KKR or any IPL team until then.
T Dilip: India’s fielding coach since 2021. Also relieved of duties after Gambhir’s coaching reshuffle.
Ryan ten Doeschate: Retains position and is now also overseeing fielding responsibilities.
Morne Morkel: Continues as bowling coach under Gambhir.
Sitanshu Kotak & Munish Bali: Also reportedly relieved of coaching duties.
What’s Next for Nayar?
While he’s currently in limbo, Abhishek Nayar remains one of the most respected minds in Indian cricket coaching. Known for his work ethic and his role in shaping the careers of players like Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya, Nayar is unlikely to stay on the sidelines for long.
Once his BCCI contract expires at the end of May, a return to IPL — and potentially to KKR — could still be on the cards for the 2026 season or later roles in domestic cricket.
Final Word
Abhishek Nayar’s sudden exit from Team India might look like an open door for his return to the IPL, especially to a team he helped shape. But as it turns out, contractual obligations with the BCCI are keeping that door closed — at least until the end of May 2025. Fans may have to wait a bit longer to see him back in purple and gold.