Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are preparing for IPL 2027 with a coaching structure that combines former international cricketers, specialist coaches and experienced cricket administrators. The three-time IPL champions have made several changes to their backroom team in recent seasons, with a focus on improving player development, match preparation and tactical planning.
Abhishek Nayar was appointed KKR head coach in October 2025 for the 2026 season, succeeding Chandrakant Pandit. The coaching group for IPL 2026 also included Dwayne Bravo as mentor, Shane Watson as assistant coach, Tim Southee as bowling coach, Andre Russell as power coach and Dishant Yagnik as fielding coach. In July 2026, Knight Riders Sports appointed Ryan ten Doeschate as Head of Cricket Strategy, a role covering cricket operations across its global teams. KKR’s complete IPL 2027 staff list and individual contract tenures have not all been officially confirmed, so the following overview distinguishes established appointments from roles awaiting confirmation.
KKR IPL 2027 Coaching Staff: Full List
|
Name |
Role |
Appointment / Tenure |
|---|---|---|
|
Abhishek Nayar |
Head Coach |
Appointed on October 30, 2025, for IPL 2026; IPL 2027 continuation not formally confirmed |
|
Dwayne Bravo |
Mentor |
Appointed as mentor ahead of IPL 2025 |
|
Shane Watson |
Assistant Coach |
Appointed in November 2025 for IPL 2026 |
|
Tim Southee |
Bowling Coach |
Appointed in November 2025 for IPL 2026 |
|
Andre Russell |
Power Coach |
Appointed to the role ahead of IPL 2026 |
|
Dishant Yagnik |
Fielding Coach |
Appointed on January 21, 2026 |
|
Ryan ten Doeschate |
Head of Cricket Strategy, Knight Riders Sports |
Appointed on July 29, 2026 |
|
Carl Crowe |
Former Spin-Bowling Coach |
Associated with earlier KKR coaching setups; IPL 2027 role unconfirmed |
|
Bharat Arun |
Former Bowling Coach |
Served in an earlier KKR coaching setup; replaced by Tim Southee for IPL 2026 |
KKR Coaching Staff: Roles and Responsibilities
Abhishek Nayar – Head Coach
Abhishek Nayar became Kolkata Knight Riders’ head coach on October 30, 2025, succeeding Chandrakant Pandit after the IPL 2025 campaign. He has been associated with KKR since 2018 and previously worked as an assistant coach, contributing to player development and the franchise’s academy structure.
As head coach, Nayar is responsible for team strategy, training plans, match preparation and coordination among specialist coaches. His IPL 2027 continuation remains subject to official confirmation.
Dwayne Bravo – Mentor
Dwayne Bravo joined KKR’s coaching setup as mentor ahead of IPL 2025 after a successful career as a T20 all-rounder. His experience across franchise leagues makes him a valuable source of tactical knowledge, particularly in bowling variations, death-over execution and pressure management.
His exact contractual tenure for IPL 2027 has not been publicly confirmed.
Shane Watson – Assistant Coach
Shane Watson was appointed KKR’s assistant coach in November 2025 for IPL 2026. The former Australia all-rounder brings experience from international cricket and several franchise competitions.
His responsibilities include supporting the head coach, helping players prepare for match situations and contributing to batting and all-rounder development.
Tim Southee – Bowling Coach
Tim Southee was appointed KKR’s bowling coach in November 2025 for IPL 2026. The former New Zealand captain has extensive international experience and is known for his swing bowling, accuracy and tactical understanding.
He is responsible for helping bowlers improve their execution, develop match plans and prepare for different playing conditions. His continuation into IPL 2027 has not been formally confirmed.
Andre Russell – Power Coach
Andre Russell joined KKR’s coaching setup as power coach ahead of IPL 2026 after announcing his retirement from the IPL as a player. Having represented the franchise for many seasons, Russell brings extensive experience in power-hitting and explosive all-round performance.
His role focuses on helping players develop strength, bat speed, boundary-hitting ability and power-based skills for T20 cricket.
Dishant Yagnik – Fielding Coach
Dishant Yagnik was appointed KKR’s fielding coach on January 21, 2026. The former wicketkeeper-batter has previous coaching experience in the IPL and is responsible for improving catching, ground fielding, throwing accuracy and overall fielding standards. His IPL 2027 tenure remains subject to confirmation.
KKR Medical and Support Staff
|
Name |
Role |
Tenure / Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Prasanth Panchada |
Physiotherapist |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
|
Abhishek Ashok Sawant |
Assistant Physiotherapist |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
|
Chris Donaldson |
Strength and Conditioning Coach |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
|
Sagar VM |
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
|
Nathan Leamon |
Analyst |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
|
Adrian Wayne Bentley |
Team Manager |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
|
Subhajit Das |
Massage Therapist |
Listed for IPL 2026; 2027 status unconfirmed |
KKR Management and Administration Team
|
Name / Organisation |
Position |
Tenure / Status |
|---|---|---|
|
Venky Mysore |
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director |
Long-standing executive leader of KKR |
|
Shah Rukh Khan |
Co-owner |
Associated with the franchise since its establishment in 2008 |
|
Juhi Chawla |
Co-owner |
Part of the franchise ownership group |
|
Jay Mehta |
Co-owner |
Part of the franchise ownership group |
|
Red Chillies Entertainment |
Ownership group |
Co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan and his family |
|
Mehta Group |
Ownership group |
Associated with Jay Mehta and the franchise |
|
Ryan ten Doeschate |
Head of Cricket Strategy, Knight Riders Sports |
Appointed July 29, 2026 |