Source – News18
Abhishek Nair is the head coach of UP Warriors in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and is known for his modern coaching style and calm leadership. As UP Warriorz WPL head coach, he brings strong experience in player development, team planning, and match strategy. Abhishek Nair’s coaching career reflects a focus on building balanced squads and improving performance consistency in high-pressure WPL matches. His role in the UP Warriors coaching staff highlights his growing impact in women’s franchise cricket. With a sharp cricketing mindset, Abhishek Nair continues to shape UP Warriors’ journey in the Women’s Premier League.
Coaching Style & Reputation
Player development: Abhishek Nayar is widely respected for his hands-on, player-first coaching philosophy. He places strong emphasis on individual skill enhancement, particularly in batting. By working closely with players to fine-tune technique, temperament, and match awareness. Several top cricketers have openly acknowledged the positive impact his guidance has had on their performances.
Leadership approach: As a head coach, Nayar balances tactical planning with mental conditioning. He prioritizes building self-belief, clarity of roles, and a winning mindset within the squad.
Playing Career
Before making his mark as a coach, Abhishek Nayar enjoyed a noteworthy career as a professional cricketer. He excelled in Indian domestic cricket and also represented India at the international level.
Domestic Cricket: Nayar was a dependable performer for Mumbai across first-class, List A, and T20 formats. A versatile all-rounder, he contributed as a middle-order batsman and a medium-pace bowler when needed. Throughout his domestic career, he became known for his composure under pressure and adaptability in key matches. He performed consistently in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Deodhar Trophy for Mumbai’s cricket team.
Indian Premier League (IPL): Nayar also had an impactful presence in the IPL. He represented franchises such as the Mumbai Indians and later the Kolkata Knight Riders. He was valued for his all-round abilities, experience, and cricketing intelligence.
International Career: On the international stage, Abhishek Nayar featured in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for India. Though his appearances were limited, he earned praise for his technical skill. He has game awareness and temperament, laying a strong foundation for his later success as a coach.
Transition to Coaching: Drawing on his extensive experience across formats, Nayar naturally moved into coaching after retirement. His analytical approach and tactical insights now define his work as the Head Coach of UP Warriorz in the WPL.
Head Coach of UP Warriorz (WPL)
Appointment: Abhishek Nayar is officially appointed as the Head Coach of UP Warriorz. He took over from Jon Lewis, who had guided the franchise through its first three seasons. Nayar’s appointment reflects the franchise’s intent to bring in a fresh leadership perspective. It’s a modern coaching approach as they prepare for the next phase of their WPL journey.
Role and vision: As the UP Warriorz WPL head coach, Nayar’s responsibilities extend beyond match-day tactics. His vision focuses on strengthening the overall squad balance and improving consistency across all departments. And helped nurture emerging Indian talent alongside established international players.
Past involvement with the franchise: Before being named head coach, Abhishek Nayar had already been associated with the UP Warriorz. This early involvement allowed him to develop a strong understanding of the team’s culture, player strengths, and areas requiring improvement.