On Wednesday, Kolkata Knight Riders’ new head coach Abhishek Nayar called Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani a surprise advantage. The team hopes to bounce back after a weak previous season, chasing a fourth IPL trophy. At Eden Gardens, during the squad’s first practice, Nayar spoke directly to players. He noted how Mustafizur Rahman had just left, then turned attention to the newcomer. A man once shaped by years around Gautam Gambhir’s era, he stood firm at 42. His words began warm: “You’ve come when we needed someone like you.” That moment opened what might become something steady, unseen but felt.
Heading into IPL 2026, Nayar took over as head coach when KKR moved on from Chandrakant Pandit after finishing eighth the previous year.
Fresh off stepping into the role, Nayar now leads UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League – a team that ended up at the bottom in the 2026 campaign among five sides.
“I know so far we’ve sort of folded you in the bus, but it’s great to have you, the tallest member ever to be part of this KKR team. So welcome, I hope you have a great time with us and you enjoy the company of our boys,” Nayar said.
At the session, all eyes turned to Muzarabahi after his 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup placed him among the top bowlers. His standout performance came versus Australia, where he took 4 for 17 in a game that shifted on his delivery. Though others shone too, it was his spell that sparked conversation wherever fans gathered
A fast bowler from Zimbabwe, taking over 200 international wickets, still hasn’t played in the IPL. Though he once filled in during 2025 for Lungi Ngidi at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, that appearance didn’t mark an official debut.
Ah, KKR brought in Mustafizur first – costing 9.2 crore – to support their big 18-crore signing, Matheesha Pathirana. Then came the board’s call early this year: let him go. Tensions between India and Bangladesh were rising, after all. Out he went.
Furious over security concerns, Bangladesh walked away from the T20 World Cup just before it started. Their spot was quickly filled by Scotland, who stepped in without warning. Matches went ahead, though tension lingered behind the scenes.
A deal worth 75 lakh rupees brought the Zimbabwean to KKR, following his decision to step away from the Pakistan Super League.
Nayars Fourth Star
Fresh faces filled the sidelines this time around, as the team once guided by Ajinkya Rahane took the field again. Eighth place had been their mark before, but now new roles reshaped the backdrop. Nayar stepped into the lead coaching role, bringing his own rhythm to the setup. Alongside him came Shane Watson, sliding into an assisting part without fuss. The pace minds found direction through Tim Southee, newly named to shape bowlers. Through it all, Dwayne Bravo remained nearby, offering quiet guidance just like earlier days.
With a clear message at the start, Nayar pointed out that attitude matters more than ability when shaping how things go.
Talking fills most of our time together. To me, it’s really about adjusting the way we think.
That ability won’t vanish overnight. Ten days won’t touch what’s already built. It stays put, steady through the stretch ahead.
“But what changes is our mentality. So every moment that we spend on this ground, every moment we spend with each other, with the coaches, amongst ourselves, there’s one goal. We have to do one thing, we have to win, we have to get that fourth star.” “And we do everything to prepare our minds before our body actually arrives the first game on the March 29 (against Mumbai Indians in Wankhede).
“We prepare here, we use this time to talk to each other, communicate, get stronger as a group. So we’re ready for everything,” he added.
At that moment, Nayar gave a nod to Shane Watson stepping in. His years on the field had shaped what he now brought – something quiet but solid into the mix.
“i’ve known him as someone who has played under him as a player, really happy Watto to have you with us. tap into his experience, you will learn a lot. We’ve had a lot of good coaches but I’m pretty sure Shane Watson is going to add a lot of value to us.” KKR will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29
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