Dishant Yagnik Joins KKR Coaching Setup for IPL 2026

The three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders have bolstered their support staff ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 season by hiring veteran Indian cricketer Dishant Yagnik as their new fielding coach. The action demonstrates KKR's commitment to raising its level of agility, athleticism, and general fielding as it gets ready to contend for another Indian Premier League championship.

Yagnik's hiring coincides with KKR's transformation after a lacklustre IPL season. The three-time champions have put together a new, well-known coaching staff, with Dwayne Bravo serving as mentor and Abhishek Nayar serving as head coach. Andre Russell is the power coach, Chris Donaldson is in charge of strength and conditioning, Tim Southee is in charge of bowling, and Shane Watson is the assistant coach. Yagnik will be in charge of improving KKR's fielding standards under this arrangement.

KKR's Coaching Game for IPL 2026:

𝙃𝙚’𝙨 𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝! Knights Army, welcome our new fielding coach, Dishant Yagnik! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xuqzpMTVZ6

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) January 21, 2026

Yagnik played in 25 IPL games with the Rajasthan Royals from 2011 to 2015. Despite having a modest IPL career, his work ethic and grasp of the game prepared him well for his move into coaching. Following his retirement from professional cricket, Yagnik became a coach and soon became known for his expertise in fielding. From 2018 to 2025, he worked closely with both Indian and foreign players as the fielding coach for the Rajasthan Royals. The Rajasthan Royals were continuously recognised as one of the league's most proficient fielding groups under his leadership.

Yagnik joins KKR's redesigned coaching staff under head coach Abhishek Nayar. Mentor DJ Bravo, assistant coach Shane Watson, bowling coach Tim Southee, and power coach Andre Russell are other members of the support staff. The Kolkata Knight Riders hope to obtain a competitive advantage with Dishant Yagnik's arrival through better fielding, which frequently turns out to be crucial in high-stakes IPL matches.

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