Rohit Sharma isn’t new to highs and lows. But when fans saw the Indian skipper struggling to put runs on the board early in the IPL 2025 season, murmurs began. That’s when, quietly and without fanfare, the influence of one man began to shine through: Abhishek Nayar, the former India all-rounder and now a coach hailed by insiders but rarely seen in the limelight.
Rohit Sharma’s Slow Start to IPL 2025
Rohit’s start to the season was far from ideal. With scores like 0, 8, 13, 17, and 18 in the first five matches, frustration was setting in — both for fans and Rohit himself. For someone who had lit up the IPL for years, this dip seemed unusually prolonged.
The Turning Point
It all began shifting on April 17, when Rohit struck a brisk 26 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Then, just three days later, he unleashed a trademark storm with an unbeaten 76 against CSK. Turns out, it was a familiar face—Abhishek Nayar—working with Rohit behind the scenes.
Rohit played with intent, his footwork crisp, his strokeplay fluent. For those who’ve followed him closely, this inning screamed, “I’m back.” After Rohit’s 76 not out against CSK. Post-match, Rohit acknowledged Nayar in an Instagram story. That single post said more than any press conference ever could.
So, who exactly is this man behind the magic?
Abhishek Nayar, a gritty domestic cricket legend, is widely respected for his understanding of the mental and physical challenges of elite cricket. Though he never shone on the international stage, his coaching skills are celebrated by the biggest names in Indian cricket.
Sources reveal that Rohit and Nayar had been training at the BKC facility, away from the spotlight. From short drills to long discussions, they worked on batting rhythm, timing, shot selection, and even mental clarity.
Fallout With BCCI
Ironically, just as his influence started paying dividends, Nayar was let go by the BCCI. Alongside him, key support staff like T Dilip, Soham Desai, and Arun Kanade were also shown the door—many of them close confidants of Rohit. It raised eyebrows, especially among senior players.
With Gautam Gambhir now calling the shots in India’s coaching setup, many believe there’s a clash of ideologies. Gambhir is known for his aggressive, no-nonsense leadership, which may not align with Nayar’s quieter, player-first philosophy.
Continued Support From Players
KL Rahul, after a match-winning knock in Visakhapatnam, publicly acknowledged how much he’s gained from working with Nayar. That kind of endorsement doesn’t come easy in Indian cricket.
“Big shout out to Abhishek Nayar. I’ve worked a lot with him ever since he’s come into the Indian team,” Rahul had said after a match-winning knock for Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam recently. “We’ve spent hours and hours together talking about my white ball game and how I can be better. We’ve worked hours and hours together in Bombay, and I think somewhere I’ve found the fun in playing white-ball cricket.
Abhishek Nayar Returns to KKR’s Coaching Setup
Abhishek Nayar has rejoined the Kolkata Knight Riders’ coaching staff, bringing back his deep cricketing expertise and leadership. Renowned for his strategic acumen and mentorship, Nayar played a crucial role in shaping KKR’s game plan and nurturing young talent during the 2024 season.
As assistant head coach alongside head coach Chandrakant Pandit and team mentor Gautam Gambhir, he helped steer the franchise to its third IPL title earlier this year—a remarkable achievement that solidified KKR’s dominance in the league. His return signals continuity in KKR’s approach, reinforcing a winning formula that delivered championship glory.
There’s strong buzz that Rohit intends to play till the 2027 World Cup. If that’s the case, you can bet Nayar will be a part of that journey, whether officially or unofficially. As cricket evolves, private coaching and trusted mentors are becoming more important than ever.
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