Starting slowly in the 2024 IPL season, India’s top batsman and captain, Rohit Sharma, battled to establish form in his first few games. But his most recent explosive performances—a quickfire 26 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and a magnificent unbroken 76 against Chennai Super Kings—have sparked debates on what changed. Some fans on platforms like 1xBat have pointed to his work with former Indian team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who was recently let go by the BCCI, as a possible turning point.
The Rohit-Nayar Partnership
Sources say that Rohit Sharma and Abhishek Nayar have been working together for quite some time, both before and during the recent IPL season. Just one day before Rohit’s vital 26-run strike against SRH on 17 April, the Indian skipper was seen practicing with Nayar at the BKC facilities of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Rohit followed up with a match-winning 76* versus CSK, exhibiting his vintage elegance and power-hitting, so this alliance paid off. Following the game, Rohit used Instagram Stories to thank Nayar for his help and alluded to the coach’s influence on his most recent performances.
Why Did the BCCI Let Go?
Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar—a highly esteemed member of Indian cricket circles—was part of the team’s support crew. However, the BCCI decided to make adjustments after India’s poor Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series performance in Australia. Released from their duties were Nayar, fielding coach T Dilip, strength and conditioning trainer Soham Desai, and masseur Arun Kanade.
Interestingly, all four were known to be close to Rohit Sharma, leading to questions regarding whether their termination was simply performance-based or influenced by other circumstances. Sitanshu Kotak was subsequently named by the BCCI as the new batting coach.
Nayar’s Coaching Impact on Other Players
Abhishek Nayar’s effect isn’t confined to Rohit Sharma. Top Indian cricketers Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have openly endorsed his teaching strategies.
Following a match-winning display for Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul attributed Nayar for enabling him to find his form in white-ball cricket.
“Major shout out to Abhishek Nayar. Ever since he joined the Indian team, Rahul claimed, I have worked closely with him. “We have talked about my white-ball game and how I might improve for hours. After working long hours in Bombay, I believe I have had fun playing white-ball cricket somewhere.” *
The endorsement of one of India’s top batters emphasizes Nayar’s abilities to polish and revitalize players’ mental attitude and technique.
Will Rohit Still be working with Nayar in the IPL?
Now appointed as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) assistant coach, Nayar raises concerns about whether Rohit Sharma can continue working with him during the IPL season.
Mumbai Indians and KKR have already crossed each other once (on 31 March); hence, their interactions might be restricted unless they cross once in the playoffs. Still, given the close relationship between the two, it would not be shocking if Rohit keeps looking to Nayar somehow.
Rohit Sharma’s Long-Term Plans Reports say that Rohit Sharma hopes to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup. He has worked closely with Nayar on botanical corrections and physical training to maintain form and fitness. According to this long-term view, Rohit is eager to improve his game even more so that he will remain a major player for India in the next few years.
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Last Words
One cannot stress Abhishek Nayar’s part in Rohit Sharma’s recent comeback. Though the BCCI let them go, his coaching knowledge has been priceless. For several Indian players, he is among the most underappreciated coaches in modern cricket because he helps players improve their batting skills and inspires confidence.
As Rohit Sharma keeps ruling the IPL, the credit goes to his inherent ability and the painstaking effort he has made behind the scenes with Nayar. Though their official relationship is yet unknown, it is abundantly evident that Nayar’s influence has been vital in Rohit’s comeback to form.
