IPL 2026: Abhishek Nayar calls Blessing Muzarabani’s arrival a ‘blessing in disguise’ for KKR

Blessing Muzarabani (Photo Source: KKR)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar termed the arrival of Blessing Muzarabani as a ‘blessing in disguise’ as the franchise looks to regroup after a forgettable last season and aim for their fourth title. Nayar, during the first training session, addressed the squad and made a pointed reference to the late replacement of Mustafizur Rahman.

Nayar was elevated to the head coach role ahead of IPL 2026 after KKR parted ways with Chandrakant Pandit following an eighth-place finish in IPL 2025. Recently, he also took charge of the Women’s Premier League side UP Warriorz, who finished last in the 2026 season.

“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 as quoted by NDTV Sports.

KKR will be led by Ajinkya Rahane in the upcoming season. The franchise has also revamped its coaching setup, with Shane Watson joining as assistant coach and Tim Southee taking over as bowling coach, while Dwayne Bravo continues in his role as mentor. Nayar emphasised the importance of mindset over skill as the team prepares for the new season.

“We have had a lot of discussions, we have spoken a lot. For me, what happens here is how we tune what’s between our ears. The skill is there, that’s not going to change in the next 10 days. 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,” said Nayar.

“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 for the first game on March 29. 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.

Nayar also welcomed Watson, highlighting the value of his vast experience to the group. In the IPL, Watson played 145 matches, scoring 3,874 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties, while also picking up 92 wickets, including one four-wicket haul.

“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,” Nayar concluded.