In a shocking move, BCCI made a golden handshake with Abhishek Nayar, who had been working with team India head coach Gautam Gambhir as a fitness and batting coach. After departing from the Men in Blue camp, Nayar turned his head towards his former camp, Kolkata Knight Riders.

Nayar rejoins the Kolkata-based side again, but before that, he was spotted with Rohit Sharma prior to the Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings match, where Rohit Sharma got his best touch of the IPL 2025 season so far with an unbeaten 76 runs off 45 balls, powered by 4 boundaries and 6 over boundaries, with a strike rate of 168.89.

After the innings, Rohit Sharma showed his gratitude towards Nayar by saying, "Thanks, bro!"

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BCCI's decision to remove Abhishek from the coaching team was a bit controversial because of his profile, influence over cricketers, and capability of working with junior and senior talents. During his previous stint with KKR, Nayar nurtured numerous young talents like Rinku Singh, who, in the latter part, qualified for the national team.

Nayar to recreate his momentum 

Indian cricket fans are curious about why BCCI asked Abhishek Nayar to leave. According to a widely believed theory, the coaching team led by Gautam Gambhir already has Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Ryan ten Doeschate (assistant coach), and T. Dilip (fielding coach). Nayar was with them as another assistant coach. Team India's recent performance can be a major reason. India performed poorly against Australia in the away series and New Zealand in the home series. But from Rohit Sharma's post it is clear enough that a number of players admire Abhishekh.

The 41-year-old coach will have some luck with Kolkata Knight Riders, who were just badly outclassed by Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens.