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Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have bolstered their backroom staff ahead of the 2026 season by appointing former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as their assistant coach. The announcement made on November 12, 2025, marks a significant step in KKR’s coaching overhaul following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where the franchise finished seventh on the points table.
KKR appoints Shane Watson as the new assistant coach for IPL 2026
Watson joins a revamped coaching setup led by recently appointed head coach Abhishek Nayar and mentor Dwayne Bravo. The 44-year-old brings extensive T20 expertise and international experience to the Eden Gardens-based franchise. Watson previously served as assistant coach for Delhi Capitals under Ricky Ponting during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons before taking on a three-year stint as head coach of San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore welcomed the Australian legend to the franchise, stating that Watson’s experience as both player and coach at the highest level will add immense value to their team culture and preparation. His understanding of the T20 format is world-class, and the franchise looks forward to his contributions both on and off the field.
Watson himself expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, acknowledging the passion of KKR fans and the franchise’s commitment to excellence. He emphasized his eagerness to work closely with the coaching group and players to help bring another title to Kolkata.
One of the most accomplished all-rounders in cricket history, Watson represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20 Internationals, amassing over 10,000 international runs and claiming more than 280 wickets across formats. He played pivotal roles in Australia‘s 2007 and 2015 ICC World Cup-winning campaigns and enjoyed a stellar IPL career spanning 12 years from 2008 to 2020.
Watson featured in 145 IPL matches, scoring four centuries and winning two championships with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and Chennai Super Kings in 2018. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in the inaugural 2008 season and again in 2013, cementing his legacy as one of the IPL’s greatest all-rounders.
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KKR’s updated coaching staff for IPL 2026
Following a comprehensive coaching restructure after parting ways with head coach Chandrakant Pandit in July 2025, KKR has assembled a new-look support staff for the upcoming season. The current coaching lineup includes Nayar as head coach, Watson as assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo continuing in his role as team mentor.
Reports also suggest that former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee will also join KKR’s coaching staff, though his exact designation has not been officially confirmed by the franchise. The addition of Southee would further strengthen KKR’s coaching resources with international expertise across multiple departments.
Nayar’s elevation to head coach represents a promotion from his previous role as assistant coach. The 42-year-old former India all-rounder has been associated with KKR since 2018, initially as head of the franchise’s academy before joining the senior team’s support staff. He played an instrumental role in developing young talents like Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who have become key players for the franchise.
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