'I believe in overcoming challenges': Abhishek Nayar on becoming new UP Warriorz head coach

Mumbai: Abhishek Nayar has moved to his next challenge in coaching life - and this time something totally different, considering his coaching resume so far. On Friday, the former India assistant coach, who is currently also the assistant coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (2024 IPL champions), was named as the head coach of the Lucknow-based UP Warriorz - one of the five teams in the Women’s Premier League.

Nayar is also the mentor of the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, the winners of T20 Mumbai League this year. He has also been a mentor & motivator to some of the top batters in India cricket-India's ODI captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Dinesh Karthik, who have credited Nayar with helping them transform their game.In an exclusive interview with TOI soon after his appointment for the job, Nayar, a former India and Mumbai all-rounder shares his vision for the Lucknow-based side and what he can bring to the table, especially in the light of his vast coaching experience.ExcerptsThis will be your first stint as head coach in a women’s franchise league. What was it about the UP Warriorz project that made you say yes? You’ve played several roles across Indian cricket—what makes this one stand out?Well, I've been involved with them (in the past) in a very small capacity with regard to helping them with camps etc, so I just felt connected to the franchise anyways.When a team like UP Warriorz, with big ambitions but no title yet, comes calling—how do you approach that challenge as a coach? Is the title the benchmark, or is the process the priority?I like to keep things simple.

I don't believe in expectations. I believe in overcoming challenges and winning a (WPL) trophy is going to be a challenge, so I'm hoping as a team collectively, we can overcome that challenge.You’re taking over from Jon Lewis, who brought a strong international pedigree to the role. How do you plan to build on that foundation, while bringing in your own coaching ethos?Jon and I have worked together in a few camps and I enjoyed working with him and learnt a few things about coaching women cricketers. Every coach has his style and I have mine. Hopefully, the girls respond to my style and we can put up a good show.From Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik to KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, you’ve had a massive influence on many players’ growth. What’s the core of your coaching philosophy—and how will that translate into a franchise environment like the WPL?My coaching philosophy is simple: Serve the player and create an environment of high performance. I will try to stick to that, and then leave the rest to what's meant to be.How closely have you followed the evolution of women’s cricket in India, especially since the WPL began? What excites you most about this ecosystem?I've commentated quite a bit on women's cricket and have been involved with the England women's team thanks to Jon Lewis (former England & UP Warriorz head coach) in running camps, so I have a fair idea with what's going on.

You’ve been involved in three title-winning campaigns in just the past 18 months—across different teams and formats. How have those experiences shaped your leadership style ahead of this new journey?Well, it's been an exciting 18 months for me as a coach.

I had a rocky start, but along the way, the failure kind of taught me what it takes to succeed. Now, coaching involves a fair bit of luck and a lot of hard work. I won't fall short on the hard work and preparation bit. Hopefully, we have some luck going our way.You’ve often worked behind the scenes as a mentor, tactician, and motivator. Now as the front-facing head coach, how do you see your role evolving? Will your approach change at all?(Laughs). Well, a head coach is also behind the scenes. The sport is always about the players, never about a coach. I was, and will remain behind the scenes while the players (rightfully) take the centre-stage.You’re a proud product of Mumbai cricket, where resilience and that ‘khadoos’ spirit is part of the DNA. Do you see yourself bringing that mindset into the UP Warriorz setup?Nope. I believe in trying to enhance a player's DNA for them to perform at a level higher than normal, which in turn serves the team’s purpose, goal and vision. What I did and how I played has and never will be something I'll try and inculcate in the players. It’s too short a time to do so. But hopefully, providing a structure and direction can create that outlook.