A fascinating revelation from former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has cast new light on the strategic thinking within the Indian cricket team, particularly regarding star batsman KL Rahul. Nayar recently disclosed a direct instruction from ODI captain Rohit Sharma, underscoring a concerted effort to evolve Rahul’s white-ball game, which had long been the subject of intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
For years, while KL Rahul consistently delivered runs in the 50-over format, a lingering question mark hung over his strike rate. In an exclusive insight shared on ESPN Cricinfo, Abhishek Nayar, who served as an assistant coach under Gautam Gambhir, unveiled the very first mandate he received from Rohit Sharma upon taking up his role: to cultivate a more aggressive batting outlook in Rahul.
“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,” Nayar elaborated, highlighting Sharma’s clear vision for the versatile batter.
Nayar’s coaching philosophy, as he further explained, is deeply rooted in a pragmatic, step-by-step approach. “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,” he stated. This method involved meticulous practice sessions designed not just to refine technique, but to instill a psychological reassurance, enabling Rahul to execute his new, bolder game plan under pressure.
The essence of Nayar’s strategy lay in building a robust foundation of technical proficiency. Once the physical skill set was honed, the focus shifted to the mental aspect, using the newly acquired abilities to foster confidence and conviction. This holistic development was key to transforming Rahul’s mindset and empowering him to embrace a more proactive style at the crease.
Abhishek Nayar’s Transition: From India to KKR
The coaching landscape, like the game itself, is ever-evolving. Just days after his tenure as assistant coach with the Indian team concluded, Abhishek Nayar seamlessly transitioned back to a familiar environment, rejoining the support staff of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Nayar’s return to the two-time IPL champions marks a homecoming. He previously played a pivotal role behind the scenes for KKR, particularly in nurturing talent within their academy and developing young players for the franchise. His expertise in player grooming and development is highly valued by the Knight Riders organization.
The departure from the Indian team, however, was preceded by significant discussions. Reports indicate that the batting unit’s inconsistent performances, especially in Test cricket both at home and during challenging overseas tours like Australia, brought Nayar’s role under intense scrutiny. A comprehensive review meeting held shortly after the Australia tour saw multiple voices within the team management questioning his effectiveness, with feedback also solicited from the players themselves.
This situation also stands out as a rare instance where the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directly intervened to terminate the contract of a support staff member who had been personally handpicked by the head coach. It underscores the high expectations and accountability within the national setup, where results and player development are paramount.
