Latest news with #AbhishekNayar
Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Abhishek Nayar reveals what Rohit Sharma said after he picked role of assistant coach for India: ‘working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook'
KL Rahul has been a consistent player in the white-ball format, especially in the 50-over version of the game. There were always questions hanging around his neck about his strike rate. Abhishek Nayar, who served as the coach when Gautam Gambhir took over, revealed that the first instruction Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma gave to him was to make Rahul imbibe a more aggressive style of batting. 'When I first picked up that role, I remember I had a conversation with Rohit, and he said that one of the things he was really keen on me doing was working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook to how KL played the game, and bringing the best out of him,' said Nayar speaking on ESPN cricinfo 'All I can tell you is, the way I've always tried to handle things is to first try and address the skill, and then use the skill as a medium to address the mind. That's as much as I can tell you in terms of details. It's about using practice to give his mind reassurance with the plan that we have, and what he needs to do to execute it,' Nayar said on how he helped Rahul to change his approach. A few days after he was removed as assistant coach of the Indian team, Abhishek Nayar is all set to join Kolkata Knight Riders as one of the support staff. Nayar had earlier worked for KKR and was their main man behind the scenes, taking care of grooming players in the academy. This newspaper reported, the batting group's continued failures in Test cricket at home and abroad had put the spotlight on Nayar's role. It is understood that during the review meeting conducted soon after the Australia tour, Nayar's role was questioned by multiple voices in the team management, while feedback was sought from players too. This is also the first instance of the BCCI stepping in to terminate a contract of a support staff handpicked by the head coach.
India.com
24-06-2025
- Sport
- India.com
It Hurts To See My Average Below 35: KL Rahul Admits Test Average Still Hurts Despite Leeds 100
IND vs ENG: KL Rahul struck a composed 137 on Day 4 of the first Test against England at Headingley, helping India post 364 in their second innings and set a formidable 371-run target for the hosts. After scoring just 42 in the first innings, Rahul showed great temperament, facing 247 deliveries and hitting 18 boundaries. His 195-run stand with Rishabh Pant was the cornerstone of India's resurgence. 'Not Chasing Numbers Anymore': Rahul Opens Up After stumps, Rahul told Sky Sports that he's moved past worrying about statistics. 'There was a time I would get starts but not convert them into big scores. Now I'm much calmer. I'm not chasing numbers anymore I just want to enjoy my cricket.' The veteran opener's remarks reflect a more mature phase in his career. At 33, Rahul seems intent on playing stress-free cricket, focusing on team contribution over individual landmarks. Return to Basics Under Coach Abhishek Nayar Rahul credited his improved mindset and performance to India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. 'I have spent a lot of time with him in the last 15-18 months. Earlier, I focused too much on quality over quantity, now I just love spending long hours in the nets,' said Rahul, emphasizing a shift in his training routine. Versatile Form Across Formats The 33-year-old has been in superb form across all formats. He played a key finishing role for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ended as Delhi Capitals' top scorer in IPL 2025. Now, he eyes a return to the T20 side while continuing to build his Test credentials. Test Average Still a Pain Point Despite the current success, Rahul admitted his career Test average below 35 bothers him. 'Of course, it hurts when I look at my average. But at this stage, I just want to make an impact and enjoy playing Test cricket it's the format I grew up loving,' he said. India Ahead At The Moment, Final Day Awaits India's total of 364 left England needing 371 to win the Test. Rahul and Pant's 195-run partnership was crucial, as the remaining batters added just 31 runs after Rahul's dismissal, bowled by Brydon Carse after dragging the ball onto his stumps. At stumps on Day 4, England were 21 without loss. They need 350 more runs on the final day, setting up an exciting conclusion to the series opener.
Fashion Value Chain
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Maratha Royals Unveil Jersey & Anthem Ahead of T20 Debut
The Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals made a powerful prelude to their T20 Mumbai League debut with the grand unveiling of their team jersey and official anthem at a glittering launch event in Vashi. The evening brought together top names from cricket administration, civic leadership, and the entertainment world, showcasing the franchise's bold ambitions and cultural pride. In attendance were MCA President Rohit Pawar, T20 Mumbai League CEO Ajinkya Joshi, MP Sunil Tatkare, MLC Prasad Lad, MCA VP Kamlesh Pisal, and senior police officials, along with team owners from Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment—Kapil and Alisha Baheti, Mayank and Raj Khandwala, and Ranjit and Tina Bindra. Skipper Siddhesh Lad, the team's marquee auction pick at ₹10.25 lakh, was joined by mentor Abhishek Nayar and head coach Amit Dani in revealing the jersey—an homage to the legacy of Shivaji Park and Maratha resilience. Their anthem, a rousing mix of Marathi folk and modern beats, echoed the ethos of pride, unity, and ambition. 'Our identity is built on the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—courage, pride, and purpose,' said co-owner Kapil Baheti. 'We aim to fuse this legacy with the competitive edge of modern-day T20 cricket.' The 18-member squad features a well-balanced mix of 5 bowlers, 7 batters, and 6 all-rounders, promising strategic depth and on-field dynamism. Lad emphasized the clarity in player selection and expressed confidence in the team's focused preparations. Mentor Abhishek Nayar stressed simplicity and mental well-being. 'In high-intensity tournaments, keeping it simple and enjoying the process is crucial, especially for young players performing under the Wankhede lights.' The Maratha Royals are set to play a warm-up match against Raigad Royals before kicking off their main campaign against Aakash Tigers on June 4 at Wankhede Stadium.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Nayar waxes eloquent on T20 Mumbai League's value
The last time the T20 Mumbai League was held, back in 2019, Abhishek Nayar was among the icon players. But as the tournament returns after a six year hiatus, Nayar is back as the mentor of Maratha Royals. Nayar, who until recently was the assistant coach of the Indian team, believes that the tournament will provide a perfect opportunity for young players to showcase their talent. 'What IPL did for Indian cricket, I think Mumbai T20 will do for Mumbai cricketers,' Nayar said on Saturday during the jersey launch of Maratha Royals. 'You have club cricketers who have not represented Mumbai, not necessarily played at that level. They would now experience what it is to play at that level, experience what it is to play in a match that's broadcast, and play at the Wankhede and DY Patil Stadium under lights. 'There are multiple aspects to it, and this tournament also financially helps a lot of cricketers to play this sport with a little more vigour,' the former India international said. The T20 Mumbai League will be held from June 4 to 12, with matches at the Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium. While some of the India internationals — including Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer — will be in action, it will also be an opportunity for several young cricketers. 'Although this is a shortened tournament, in the future when the tournament will be longer, it will create a platform for a lot of our youngsters to evolve into players who would represent Mumbai, and hopefully in the IPL also play for the country,' Nayar said.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Ex-India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar named mentor for team in T20 Mumbai League 2025
Former Mumbai cricketer Abhishek Nayar, who was recently working as an assistant coach with the Indian cricket team, has been named as an mentor for the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals franchise in the T20 Mumbai League 2025. After being relieved from his role with the Indian cricket team following Team India's underwhelming performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia, Nayar also joined defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders' coaching staff. Nayar had previously worked for three-time IPL champions KKR. At the team, Nayar was their main man behind the scenes, taking care of grooming players in the academy. As The Indian Express had reported at the time, during a review meeting conducted soon after the Australia tour, Nayar's role was questioned by multiple people in the Indian team management. It marked the first instance of the BCCI stepping in to terminate a contract of a support staff handpicked by the head coach. Besides Nayar, Mumbai cricket stalwart Paras Mhambrey also has been named as a coach. He will be mentoring ARCS Andheri team. The two names were mane public by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), when it announced their line-up of coaches and mentors for the T20 Mumbai League 2025. The league is returning after a six-year break. This will be the third season of the league scheduled to take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium from May 26 to June 8. It will feature eight teams. 'As the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), we are committed to promoting and empowering our local coaches and support staff, ensuring they receive greater opportunities to grow and contribute not only to Mumbai cricket but also to Indian cricket. By nurturing homegrown talent, we aim to strengthen the foundation of our cricketing ecosystem and create pathways for sustained excellence,' said Ajinkya Naik, President of Mumbai Cricket Association in a press release. The coaching line-up features some of Mumbai's most seasoned names, with Omkar Salvi (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Rajesh Pawar (ARCS Andheri), Atul Ranade (Triumph Knights Mumbai North East), Amit Dani (Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals), Prashant Shetty (Eagle Thane Strikers), Pravin Tambe (North Mumbai Panthers) and Vinod Raghvan (Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs) named as head coaches of the respective franchises. Head coach of Namo Bandra Blasters will be announced later.
