Kolkata Knight Riders have strengthened their backroom ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season by appointing Australian great Shane Watson as their new assistant coach. Considered one of the most influential T20 cricketers of his era, the former all-rounder joins a franchise eager to reclaim its place among the title contenders.
Watson’s association with the IPL dates back to its inaugural season. In 2008, he established himself as one of the league’s first superstars when he won the Player of the Tournament award for his outstanding all-round performances with the trophy-winning Rajasthan Royals. He has represented several franchises over the years, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, and has played key roles in several memorable campaigns.
On the international stage, Watson has made a distinguished career for Australia across all formats. His versatility as a top-order batsman, ability to bowl with the seam and change the game in pressure situations made him indispensable. He was a major contributor to Australia’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2009 and played a key role in the 2007 and 2015 World Cup winning teams.
Speaking about his new role at KKR, Watson expressed genuine enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. “It is a great honor to be a part of such an iconic franchise like the Kolkata Knight Riders. I have always admired the passion of the KKR fans and the team’s commitment to excellence. I look forward to working closely with the coaching staff and players to help bring another title to Kolkata,” he said.
KKR Managing Director Venky Mysore echoed the enthusiasm and highlighted what Watson brings to the franchise. “We are thrilled to welcome Shane Watson to the KKR family. His experience as a player and coach at the highest level will add immense value to our team culture and preparation. His understanding of the T20 format is world-class and we look forward to his contributions on and off the field.”
With Watson joins head coach Abhishek Nayar’s line-upKKR hopes to build a cohesive, well-rounded support team capable of leading the team back to championship success. The franchise, which has long prided itself on combining global experience with local talent, sees the appointment as another important step towards capturing the IPL crown.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
November 13, 2025
