The future of Abhishek Nayar, a key member of Kolkata Knight Riders’ support staff and a prominent figure in Indian domestic cricket coaching, is currently shrouded in uncertainty following reports of his potential removal from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) setup. Amid speculation over his alleged sacking, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has said that the board will have a “clear picture in 1–2 days,” leaving the cricketing fraternity in suspense.
Abhishek Nayar, a former Mumbai all-rounder and mentor to several Indian cricketers including Shreyas Iyer, has been working closely with the NCA and has built a reputation for grooming emerging talent through personalized training modules. He was believed to be working in a developmental role under VVS Laxman, the head of the NCA.
However, reports surfaced recently suggesting that Nayar may have been removed from his position, raising eyebrows across the domestic circuit. The news created a flurry of reactions on social media and among cricket analysts, many of whom expressed surprise at the sudden development, especially given Nayar’s deep involvement with player rehabilitation and mentoring.
When asked to clarify the situation, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia provided a guarded response:
“We are yet to get complete clarity on the matter. We should have a clear picture in a day or two,” Saikia told reporters on Wednesday.
The vague response has only fueled further speculation. Sources close to the matter have hinted at a possible internal reshuffle at the NCA, with a few high-profile names being considered for new roles, but no official confirmation has been made yet.
Nayar’s contributions to Indian cricket, especially at the grassroots and domestic level, have been widely acknowledged. He played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several India internationals, and his work as a mentor for KKR has also been praised for bringing out the best in young talents like Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer.
If the reports of his dismissal prove true, it could mark a surprising turn in his coaching career, and possibly signal a shift in the BCCI’s approach to its developmental programs. Some insiders speculate that a conflict of interest might be under scrutiny, considering Nayar’s dual role as both an NCA staff member and part of KKR’s coaching setup.
The BCCI, in recent times, has grown increasingly sensitive to potential overlaps between national commitments and IPL associations. While there are no confirmed allegations against Nayar, officials are reportedly reviewing the structure and responsibilities within the NCA to ensure complete focus on national priorities.
Meanwhile, KKR has made no statement regarding the controversy, and Nayar himself has chosen to stay silent for now. Those close to him have indicated that he is awaiting official communication from the board before making any public comments.
Cricket analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the development. Some believe the BCCI must ensure transparency and consistency in staffing decisions, while others caution against prematurely sidelining a coach of Nayar’s calibre without proper justification.
Anjum Chopra, former India cricketer and commentator, said,
“Nayar has been instrumental in building mental resilience in players and helping them recover from injuries and form slumps. His approach is unique and based on individual attention, which is rare. If he is being removed, the reasons must be clearly communicated.”
As the IPL 2025 season continues, KKR is likely to retain Nayar’s services at least until the end of the tournament. Whether he continues to be involved with the NCA after that remains to be seen.
The next few days are expected to be crucial, as the BCCI is likely to hold internal discussions and potentially release an official statement. For now, the fate of one of Indian cricket’s most influential behind-the-scenes figures hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned as developments unfold in what could be another defining moment in the BCCI’s ongoing reformation of its coaching and support infrastructure.