Kolkata Knight Riders Announce New Addition To Coaching Set Up Ahead Of IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have appointed former wicketkeeper-batter Dishant Yagnik as the fielding coach for the team ahead of IPL 2026.

KKR stated that Yagnik would bring extensive experience and a keen

eye for fielding excellence to the team.

“Yagnik is set to bring a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for fielding excellence to KKR, with the franchise set to enter the IPL with a fresh, new-look support staff unit led by Abhishek Nayar (head coach), DJ Bravo (mentor) Shane Watson (assistant coach), Tim Southee (bowling coach) and Andre Russell (power coach),” KKR said in a statement.

“Yagnik’s transition to KKR ahead of the upcoming IPL marks an exciting new chapter in the former cricketer’s coaching journey.”

Who Is Dishant Yagnik?

As a wicketkeeper-batter during his playing days, Yagnik had a successful domestic career representing Rajasthan and made 25 IPL appearances between 2011 and 2014. Since his retirement, he has continued to be involved in the IPL ecosystem as a fielding coach across several seasons.

Yagnik, 43, from Banswara in Rajasthan, played in 25 IPL matches for Rajasthan Royals from 2011 to 2014. Throughout his 13-year domestic career, he participated in 50 first-class, 41 List A, and 56 T20 matches. After retiring, Yagnik transitioned into a fielding coach role, serving across several league seasons. He was with the Rajasthan Royals from 2018 to 2025 in this capacity. During his tenure with the Jaipur-based team, Yagnik worked extensively with both overseas players and Indian cricketers. Currently, he is the fielding coach for the Jammu & Kashmir senior men’s team in the ongoing domestic cricket season.

The IPL 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 31.

KKR Before IPL 2026

During last year’s IPL auction in Abu Dhabi, KKR had a busy day, acquiring 13 players, including Australia’s seam-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green for an astounding Rs 25.2 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in the tournament’s history.

However, his actual earnings will be capped at Rs 18 crore under a new IPL regulation, with the remaining amount paid by KKR going to the BCCI’s player welfare fund. They also secured Sri Lanka’s death overs bowling specialist Matheesha Pathirana for a significant Rs 18 crore.

Additionally, KKR acquired Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Akash Deep, Tejasvi Singh Dahiya, Kartik Tyagi, Prashant Solanki, Rahul Tripathi, Sarthak Ranjan, and Daksh Kamra at the auction.

(With inputs from Agencies)