Abhishek Nayar, a highly respected name in Indian cricket coaching, has been appointed as the new head coach for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise UP Warriorz.
A New Era for UP Warriorz
The announcement confirms Nayar’s full-time role with the Warriorz, a team he previously assisted during their off-season training camps in Bengaluru after the inaugural WPL season. His prior experience with the squad gives him a valuable head start.
“I really enjoyed my time working with the UP Warriorz before and I’m thrilled to take on this new role,” Nayar stated. He sees the WPL as a fantastic platform for women’s cricket and is eager to collaborate with the management to build a formidable team.
Nayar expressed strong confidence in the team’s existing foundation. He believes there’s incredible potential within the squad and is committed to helping the Warriorz clinch their first-ever WPL title.
Abhishek Nayar’s Coaching Pedigree
Though his international playing career for India was brief, Nayar enjoyed a prolific domestic career as an all-rounder for Mumbai. Since retiring in 2019, he has quickly established himself as a sought-after coach, known for his ability to unlock player potential.
Many prominent cricketers, including Dinesh Karthik, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, have credited Nayar with significant improvements in their game. Karthik, in particular, has lauded Nayar for refining his skills as a T20 finisher.
Nayar’s recent coaching achievements are impressive. He was a crucial part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) staff that secured the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2024. His experience also includes serving as head coach for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2022 and leading the KKR academy in 2018. He has also had a stint as assistant coach with the Indian men’s team.
Management Backs New Coach
The UP Warriorz management has shown immense faith in Nayar’s appointment. Jinisha Sharma, Director at Capri Sports, which owns the franchise, believes this move signifies their strong commitment to elevating the team’s performance.
Sharma highlighted Nayar’s leadership, high-level coaching experience, and proven ability to get the best out of players. She expressed confidence that the franchise is set for a strong showing in the upcoming WPL season under his guidance.
Kshemal Waingankar, COO of UP Warriorz, echoed this sentiment. He described Nayar as “one of the best brains in the business in global cricket” and conveyed excitement about his vision for the team. Waingankar is confident that Nayar’s leadership will lead to many more memorable moments for the Warriorz and their fans.
- Abhishek Nayar is the new head coach for WPL side UP Warriorz.
- He previously worked with the team during their off-season camps.
- Nayar is highly regarded for his coaching, having mentored top Indian cricketers and contributed to KKR’s 2024 IPL win.
- The Warriorz management is optimistic about his leadership and vision for the team’s success.
With Nayar at the helm, all eyes will be on UP Warriorz as they prepare for a competitive WPL season, aiming for their maiden title.
