Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar caught up with head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Rinku Singh during India’s training session at the R Premadasa Stadium ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan.
The three previously worked together in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp during their triumphant 2024 IPL season and also reunited when Nayar had a short stint as India’s assistant coach following the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The former India all-rounder, who has now taken charge as KKR’s head coach for IPL 2026, was at the venue as part of the broadcast panel and was spotted engaging in animated chats with both Gambhir and Rinku. Here are some glimpses from the ground:
For KKR fans. Abhishek Nayar with Rinku Singh 👀 pic.twitter.com/2bZdyGUBTN
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) February 14, 2026
Gautam Gambhir and Abhishek Nayar reunited at R Premadasa Stadium. #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/r86fi8XNI4
— Mani (@iAMmani07) February 14, 2026
Gautam Gambhir had personally selected Abhishek Nayar for his coaching team during the initial phase of his tenure, but Nayar’s stint lasted only eight months before he was relieved of his duties. Following this, the team brought in domestic cricket veteran Sitanshu Kotak to join the support staff.
“Sir means a lot to me” – Rinku Singh praises Abhishek Nayar ahead of IPL 2026
Although Gambhir, Rinku Singh, and Abhishek Nayar worked together only briefly, Rinku and Nayar share a long-standing bond. Nayar has been involved with KKR’s senior team and academy since 2018, playing a key role in shaping the left-hander’s rise.
“Sir means a lot to me, because when I played in the IPL in 2018, my technique was not that good. So, he helped me with my batting skills and worked hard, and now you can see over the last two years how much my batting has improved because of him,” Rinku Singh had said on KKR’s official YouTube channel.
Rinku Singh aims to bounce back after a slow T20 World Cup 2026 start, scoring 6 and 1 against USA and Namibia.
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