Kolkata Knight Riders’ new head coach Abhishek Nayar described the addition of Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as a “blessing in disguise” on Wednesday, as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing
season and aim for a fourth IPL title.
During the squad’s first training session at Eden Gardens, Nayar referred to Muzarabani’s late inclusion as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, warmly welcoming the fast bowler.
“Blessing, you are a blessing in disguise for us,” said the 42-year-old former India all-rounder, who has long been associated with KKR under Gautam Gambhir, during his opening speech.
Nayar was promoted to head coach before IPL 2026 after KKR parted ways with Chandrakant Pandit following an eighth-place finish last season.
Nayar had also recently taken the helm of the Women’s Premier League team UP Warriorz, who finished last in the five-team 2026 season.
“I know we’ve had you sort of folded up in the bus so far, but it’s great to have you, the tallest member ever of this KKR team. Welcome, I hope you enjoy your time with the company of our boys and us,” Nayar added.
Muzarabani, who claimed 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup to finish as the joint second-highest wicket-taker, including a match-winning 4/17 against Australia, was the focus of the session.
The Zimbabwean quick, with over 200 international wickets, is yet to make his IPL debut despite a previous stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a replacement player in 2025 for Lungi Ngidi.
KKR had initially signed Mustafizur for Rs 9.2 crore as a backup overseas pacer to their Rs 18 crore recruit Matheesha Pathirana, but the Bangladesh left-armer was released earlier this year following BCCI directives amid rising India-Bangladesh tensions.
The issue intensified to the point where Bangladesh withdrew from the T20 World Cup, refusing to play in India, with Scotland taking their place.
Muzarabani has since joined KKR on a Rs 75 lakh deal after opting out of the Pakistan Super League.
(With PTI Inputs)
