three time IPL Champions Kolkata Knight Riders has strengthened its backroom staff ahead of the 2026 season by appointing former Australian all-rounder shane watson As his assistant coach. The announcement, made on November 12, 2025, is a significant step in KKR’s coaching overhaul after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, where the franchise finished seventh on the points table.
KKR has appointed Shane Watson as the new assistant coach for IPL 2026.
Watson has joined a revamped coaching setup led by recently appointed head coach Abhishek Nair and guru dwayne bravoThe 44-year-old brings extensive T20 expertise and international experience to the Eden Gardens-based franchise, Watson previously served as an assistant coach Delhi Capitals under ricky ponting During the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons before assuming a three-year stint as the head coach of san francisco unicorn In Major League Cricket.
CEO of KKR Venky Mysore The Australian welcomed the veteran to the franchise saying Watson’s experience as both a player and coach at the highest level will add immense value to his team’s culture and preparation. His understanding of the T20 format is world-class and the franchise looks forward to his contributions on and off the field.
Watson himself expressed his excitement about the appointment, acknowledging the passion of KKR fans and the franchise’s commitment to excellence. He stressed his eagerness to work closely with the coaching group and players to help Kolkata clinch another title
One of the most accomplished all-rounders in cricket history, Watson represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20 Internationals, scoring over 10,000 international runs and taking over 280 wickets across all formats. He played important roles in AustraliaEnjoyed the ICC World Cup-winning campaigns of 2007 and 2015 and an illustrious 12-year IPL career from 2008 to 2020.
Watson scored four centuries in 145 IPL matches and won two championships. Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and Chennai Super Kings In 2018. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament in the inaugural season of 2008 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
A comprehensive coaching restructuring is being followed after the head coach parted ways Chandrakant Pandit In July 2025, KKR have assembled a new-look support staff for the upcoming season. The current coaching lineup includes Nair head coach, Watson assistant coach and dwayne bravo Will continue his role as team mentor
Reports also show that former new zealand fast bowler Tim Southee Will also join KKR’s coaching staff, although his exact designation has not been officially confirmed by the franchise. Southee’s addition will further strengthen KKR’s coaching resources with international expertise across multiple departments.
Nair’s promotion to head coach represents a promotion from his previous role as an assistant coach. The 42-year-old former Indian all-rounder has been with KKR since 2018, initially as the head of the franchise’s academy before joining the support staff of the senior team. He played an important role in developing young talents Rinku Singh, Varun Chakraborty, Harshit RanaAnd Angkrish Raghuvanshiwho have become key players for the franchise
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