On Saturday, when Kolkata Knight Riders was hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens, it was announced that Abhishek Nayar will join the Dinesh Karthik-led franchise as part of support staff. But there was no clarity on the role or designation of the Mumbai all-rounder.
Read: Nayar to join KKR coaching staff
The 34-year-old Nayar, who was also involved in commentary in the ongoing Indian Premier League, revealed that he would be the go-to man for the youngsters in the team. “I will be working with the younger guys to kind of bridge the gap between them and the foreign players. My role will be to make them comfortable and ensure there is no communication gap. I think the franchise needed someone just to counsel the younger guys and help them tackle pressure. All in all, just look after them,” he told Sportstar on Sunday.
The Karthik-Nayar counseling story became popular once the former hit the headlines finishing off the Nidahas Trophy final against Bangladesh with a match-winning six. Nayar had helped him overcome insecurity and self-doubt.
One may feel that the skipper may have forwarded Nayar’s resume to KKR CEO Venky Mysore. “I wouldn’t know that, you need to ask Venky (Mysore). I think he is in a better position to answer that,” added Nayar, who played 99 First-class games and three ODIs for India.
However, Nayar feels the new stint will be challenging and he will get a clearer picture on his designation once he joins the squad on Sunday. “I will know once I get there.”
“It is not that I am going to walk around and things are going to change. It takes time to build relationships, so it’s going to take me time as I have never interacted with the guys. I am looking forward to the challenge and to start the right kind of building that is needed,” he reasoned, while on his way to Kolkata.
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