Abhishek Nayar (pictures via Getty Images) Bombay: Abhishek Nayar moved to his next challenge in life coaching – and this time something completely different, given that his coaching biography so far. On Friday, the former Indian assistant coach, who is currently also assistant to coach of Kalkata Knight (2024 Masters IPL), named the head coach Warriorz based in Lucknow – one of five teams in the women’s Premier League. Nayar is also a mentor of Mumbai South Central Marathha Royals, the winner of the T20 Mumbai League this year. He was also a mentor and motivator for some of the best batter in India Kricket-India, Captain Rohit Sharma, Kl Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Dinesh Karthik, who gave them Nayara to help them transform their game.In an exclusive interview with Toi, after his appointment to work Nayar, former versatile India and Mumbai, he shares his vision for the Lucknow party and what he can bring to the table, especially in the light of his huge coaching experience.ExcerptsThis will be your first stint as the head coach in the female franchise league. What was about the UP Warriorz project, thanks to which you said yes? You played several roles across the Indian cricket – what does this stand out?Well, I was involved with them (in the past) a very small capacity in terms of help with camps, etc., so I still felt associated with franchise.When a team like UP Warriors with great ambitions, but no title yet, will come to call – how do you approach this challenge as a coach? Is the name benchmark or is the process of priority?I like to keep things simple. I do not believe in anticipation. I believe that in overcoming the challenges and victory of Trophy (WPL) will be a challenge, so I hope that as a team we can overcome this challenge together.You take over from Jon Lewis, who brought a strong international pedigree to the role. How do you plan to build on this foundation while bringing your own coaching ethos?Jon and I worked together in several camps and I enjoyed working with him and learned a few things about coaching women cricket. Each coach has its own style and I have its own. Hopefully girls react to my style and we can introduce a good show.From Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik to Kl Rahul and Shreyas Iyer you had a huge impact on the growth of many players. What is the core of your coaching philosophy – and how will it be reflected in a franchise environment like WPL?My coaching philosophy is simple: serve players and create high performance environment. I will try to hold it and then leave the rest on what it should be.How closely did you follow the development of women’s cricket in India, especially from the beginning of WPL? What excites you about this ecosystem?I commented a bit of a female cricket and was involved in the English women’s team thanks to Jon Lewis (former England coach & up Warriors) in the camps, so I have a fair idea with what is happening.
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Do you believe that Abhishek Nayar can lead up the UP Warriorz to their first WPL title?
Over the past 18 months, you have been involved in three campaigns that win titles-various teams and formats. How did this experience form your leadership style before this new way?As a coach, it was an exciting 18 months for me. I had a rocky start, but along the way he taught me what was needed to succeed. Now coaching includes a little luck and a lot of hard work. I will not be a lack of hard work and preparation. Hopefully we are lucky.You often worked behind the scenes like mentor, tactic and motivator. How do you see how your head coach is heading in front, how do you see how your roles evolve? Will your approach change at all?(Laughs). The head coach is also behind the scenes. Sport is always about players, never a coach. I have been and will remain behind the scenes while players (rightfully) occupy the center phase.You are a proud product of cricket bombai, where there is resistance and that the spirit of “Khadoos” is part of DNA. Do you see how you bring this thinking to UP Warriorz settings?No. I believe that I try to strengthen the DNA of the player for them to perform at a level higher than usual, which in turn serves the purpose, goal and vision of the team. What I did and how I played and there will never be something I will try to instill in the players. It’s too short time to do it. Hopefully, however, the provision of structure and direction can create this outlook.
