The Kolkata Knight Riders, who have secured the IPL title three times, have reinforced their support personnel prior to the 2026 season through the engagement of Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, as their assistant coach. The declaration, which was made on November 12, 2025, indicates a noteworthy advancement in KKR’s coaching transformation, which comes after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign that saw the franchise finish seventh in the points standings.
KKR appoints Shane Watson as the new assistant coach for IPL 2026
Watson is joining an updated coaching team that is being led by Abhishek Nayar, the recently selected head coach, and Dwayne Bravo, the mentor. The 44-year-old contributes a wealth of T20 knowledge and worldwide experience to the franchise located at Eden Gardens. Prior to accepting a three-year position as head coach of the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket, Watson was an assistant coach for the Delhi Capitals under Ricky Ponting during the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his welcome to the Australian legend into the franchise, stating that Watson’s experience as both a player and coach at the highest level will significantly improve their team culture and preparation. His knowledge of the T20 format is unsurpassed, and the franchise anticipates his input both on and off the field.
Watson, in his own words, conveyed his excitement about the appointment, noting the enthusiasm of KKR supporters and the franchise’s dedication to quality. He emphasized his intense desire to work together with the coaching staff and players to win another championship for Kolkata.
Watson, who is regarded as one of the most accomplished all-rounders in cricket history, played for Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20 Internationals, amassing more than 10,000 international runs and taking over 280 wickets across all formats. He was essential to Australia‘s ICC World Cup victories in 2007 and 2015, and he had a fantastic IPL career that lasted 12 years, from 2008 to 2020.
Watson participated in 145 IPL games, amassing four centuries and securing two championships with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and the Chennai Super Kings in 2018. In the inaugural 2008 season, he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and again in 2013, solidifying his reputation as one of the IPL’s all-time greatest all-rounders.
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KKR’s updated coaching staff for IPL 2026
KKR has put together a new-look support staff for the next season as a result of a thorough coaching restructure that took place after head coach Chandrakant Pandit left in July 2025. The current coaching staff consists of Nayar as head coach, Watson as assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo continuing in his capacity as team mentor.
According to reports, Tim Southee, a former fast bowler from New Zealand, will also join KKR’s coaching staff, though the franchise has not yet formally announced his precise position. The addition of Southee would further enhance KKR’s coaching capabilities with international expertise in a number of fields.
Nayar’s promotion to head coach signifies a step up from his prior post as assistant coach. Since 2018, the 42-year-old former India all-rounder has been involved with KKR, initially as the head of the franchise’s academy before joining the senior team’s support staff. He was crucial in the growth of young players like Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who have emerged as important members of the franchise.
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