UP Warriorz Appoints Abhishek Nayar as Head Coach Ahead of WPL Season 4

The UP Warriorz have appointed Abhishek Nayar as their head coach for the upcoming WPL Season 4. Nayar, known for his successful coaching stint with Kolkata Knight Riders and the Indian national team, aims to build a strong team and lead them to their first title. His experience and commitment to player development are expected to elevate the team's performance. With the support of the franchise's management, Nayar is excited to take on this new challenge and contribute to the growth of women's cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2025, 02:08 IST

Exciting New Leadership for UP Warriorz

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 25: In a significant move ahead of the fourth season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the UP Warriorz have announced the appointment of the highly regarded Abhishek Nayar as their head coach.

Nayar, who previously served as an assistant coach, played a pivotal role in guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and was also part of the coaching team for the Indian national squad that won the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

The announcement was creatively revealed in collaboration with popular stand-up comedian Zakir Khan, who will represent UP Warriorz fans across social media platforms. The engaging announcement video was filmed at Nayar's former school, Bombay Scottish School.

With a wealth of experience in Indian cricket, Nayar is known for his deep understanding of the game and a solid history in player development, having held various coaching positions at both domestic and international levels.

A former all-rounder for India and a prominent figure in Mumbai's domestic cricket, Nayar has successfully transitioned into a key coaching role, recognized for his talent in mentoring young athletes and helping them excel.

This marks Nayar's return to the UP Warriorz, having previously worked with the team during their off-season training after Season 1. The franchise is optimistic that his leadership will enhance the team's preparation and consistency.

Nayar's coaching prowess was evident during his tenure with KKR, where he has been since 2018, closely mentoring players like Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rinku Singh from their formative years.

In 2024, he also took on the role of assistant coach for the Indian men's national team under Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, where he significantly contributed to the development of top batters, including KL Rahul, who credited Nayar for helping him regain his T20 form. He has also worked behind the scenes with former captain Rohit Sharma and wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the new role, Abhishek Nayar stated, “I truly enjoyed my previous experience with the UP Warriorz, and I’m excited to embrace this new challenge. The WPL is a remarkable platform for women’s cricket, and I look forward to collaborating with the management to create a formidable team for Season 4. The UP Warriorz have a solid foundation, and I believe we can achieve something extraordinary. I am committed to helping the team secure its first title this season.”

Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports, shared her excitement, saying, “This appointment reflects our strong commitment to enhancing the team’s performance and striving for greater success in the upcoming WPL season. With Abhishek Nayar’s leadership and coaching experience, we are confident of a strong performance this season.”

Kshemal Waingankar, COO of UP Warriorz, added, “Abhishek Nayar is among the brightest minds in global cricket, and we are thrilled to have him as our Head Coach. We are eager to see his vision for UP Warriorz come to life, and we believe that under his guidance, the team will create many memorable moments for our fans in the future.”