Abhishek Nayar Joins Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals as Mentor After IPL 2025 Stint with KKR

In a significant development for Indian domestic cricket, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has been appointed as the mentor for Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the upcoming third edition of the T20 Mumbai League, set to commence on May 26, 2025. This announcement comes shortly after Nayar’s mid-season involvement with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, marking a swift transition to a new role in the cricketing landscape. His appointment, alongside other high-profile coaches and players, underscores the growing prominence of the T20 Mumbai League as a platform for nurturing talent and showcasing elite cricketing expertise.

Abhishek Nayar, a former Indian cricketer known for his all-round abilities, has carved a niche for himself both as a player and a coach. Born in Secunderabad, Nayar played 103 first-class matches, amassing over 5,000 runs and picking up more than 170 wickets with his medium-pace bowling. While his international career was limited to three ODIs in 2009, Nayar’s domestic performances for Mumbai and his IPL stints with teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals earned him a reputation as a reliable team player.

Post-retirement, Nayar transitioned seamlessly into coaching, leveraging his deep understanding of the game. His tenure as an assistant coach with the Indian national team was marked by his ability to mentor young talent, particularly in the batting department. However, his departure from the national setup in early 2025 came as a surprise to many, with reports suggesting a strategic reshuffle within the team management. Undeterred, Nayar quickly found a new role with KKR during the IPL 2025 season, joining their support staff mid-campaign. His expertise was seen as a valuable addition to the defending champions, who were navigating a challenging season under new captain Ajinkya Rahane.

The T20 Mumbai League, organized by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has emerged as a significant domestic T20 competition since its inception. Designed to unearth and polish local talent, the league has gained traction for its competitive format and the involvement of prominent cricketers. The third edition, scheduled to kick off on May 26, 2025, promises to be a star-studded affair, with high-profile players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, and Ajinkya Rahane confirmed as icon players.

The league’s structure, featuring six teams representing different zones of Mumbai, fosters a sense of regional pride while providing a platform for young cricketers to rub shoulders with established stars. The inclusion of experienced coaches like Nayar, Paras Mhambrey (head coach of ARCS Andheri), and Pravin Tambe (head coach of North Mumbai Panthers) further elevates the league’s stature. According to a reliable source cited by the Times of India, Nayar’s appointment as mentor for Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals will be formally announced in the week following April 26, 2025, signaling the league’s intent to blend experience with innovation.

Nayar’s return to KKR for the IPL 2025 season was a homecoming of sorts. Having previously served as an assistant coach for the franchise from 2018 to 2024, Nayar was a familiar face at Eden Gardens. His mid-season appointment came at a critical juncture for KKR, who were struggling with three wins, five losses, and one shared point, placing them seventh in the IPL 2025 points table. The team, led by new captain Ajinkya Rahane after the controversial release of Shreyas Iyer, was desperate to turn their fortunes around.

Nayar’s role with KKR focused on strengthening the batting unit, which included powerhouses like Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, and Andre Russell. His ability to connect with players and provide tactical insights was seen as a key asset, particularly in high-pressure matches. Despite KKR’s inconsistent performance, Nayar’s contributions were noted for their impact on individual player development, with young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi benefiting from his mentorship. Posts on X from April 20, 2025, by Gulf News Sport and others highlighted Nayar’s return to KKR, emphasizing his value to the franchise after his national team exit.

Nayar’s appointment as mentor for Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals marks a new chapter in his coaching career. As a mentor, he is expected to guide the team’s strategic approach, mentor young players, and foster a winning culture. The T20 Mumbai League’s fast-paced format aligns perfectly with Nayar’s experience in T20 cricket, both as a player and a coach. His ability to adapt strategies to the demands of the shortest format will be crucial for the Maratha Royals, who aim to make a strong impression in the tournament.

The league’s coaching lineup is equally impressive, with former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey leading ARCS Andheri and ex-IPL star Pravin Tambe at the helm of North Mumbai Panthers. Mumbai domestic head coach Omkar Salvi will guide SoBo Mumbai Falcons, while Vidarbha assistant coach Atul Ranade takes charge of Triumph Knights Mumbai North East. This blend of seasoned coaches and former players ensures a high level of professionalism and competitiveness, making the T20 Mumbai League a breeding ground for future IPL stars.

The third edition of the T20 Mumbai League is set to feature a glittering array of talent. The MCA has confirmed that icon players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, and Prithvi Shaw will headline the tournament. These players, many of whom have represented India at the international level, bring a wealth of experience and star power, making the league a must-watch event for cricket fans.

The presence of such high-profile names underscores the league’s growing reputation as a platform for both established players and emerging talents. For Nayar, working with players of this caliber offers an opportunity to further hone his coaching skills while contributing to the development of Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem. His role as a mentor will involve not only tactical planning but also nurturing the next generation of cricketers who aspire to follow in the footsteps of their icon counterparts.

Nayar’s appointment comes with high expectations, given his track record and the competitive nature of the T20 Mumbai League. The Maratha Royals will rely on his strategic acumen to navigate challenging matches and build a cohesive unit. The league’s format, with its emphasis on quick decision-making and adaptability, will test Nayar’s ability to translate his IPL experience into a domestic setting.

Moreover, the T20 Mumbai League’s timing, starting shortly after the IPL 2025 season, means that players and coaches will need to quickly shift gears from the high-pressure IPL environment to the domestic stage. For Nayar, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase his versatility as a coach. His ability to foster team unity and extract the best from his players will be critical to the Maratha Royals’ success.

Nayar’s move to the T20 Mumbai League reflects a broader trend of former players and coaches taking on roles in domestic T20 competitions. These leagues serve as vital platforms for talent development, offering players a chance to gain exposure and coaches an opportunity to refine their skills. The MCA’s efforts to bolster the T20 Mumbai League with top-tier talent and coaching expertise signal its ambition to rival other prominent domestic T20 tournaments in India.

For Nayar, this role is a chance to rebuild his coaching legacy after his exit from the Indian national team. His experience with KKR and his deep roots in Mumbai cricket make him an ideal fit for the Maratha Royals. As the T20 Mumbai League prepares to kick off, all eyes will be on Nayar and his team to deliver a performance that matches the hype surrounding the tournament.

Abhishek Nayar’s appointment as mentor for Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the T20 Mumbai League is a testament to his enduring influence in Indian cricket. Fresh off his stint with KKR in IPL 2025, Nayar is poised to make a significant impact in the domestic circuit. With a star-studded lineup of players and coaches, the third edition of the T20 Mumbai League promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and Nayar’s role will be pivotal in shaping the Maratha Royals’ campaign. As the cricketing world watches, Nayar’s journey from player to coach continues to inspire, proving that his passion for the game remains as strong as ever.