Hyderabad: All-rounder Abhishek Nayar bade adieu domestic cricket at the age of 36. Indian domestic cricket's one of the big names, Nayar, played 99 first-class matches for Mumbai before moving to Puducherry last season where he played four matches.
When asked what drove him to take a call on his career, he cited lack of motivation to continue.
“I have been thinking about this for a while. When you have no more opportunities of playing at the highest level, it is better that I make way for a young cricketer. There is no point in staying back,” Nayar was quoted as saying my media.
Nayar, who had a failed three-match ODI stint with India in 2009, has an illustrious career in first-class cricket. In 103 matches, he amassed 5749 runs at an average of 45.62 with the help of 13 tons and 32 half-centuries. He also took 173 first-class wickets
The Hyderabad born cricketer, who is known for grooming many young cricketers that included names of Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma, now switched his focus on coaching.
“That’s something I have been doing for a while and I want to focus on coaching assignments now,” Nayar, who is currently working with the Kolkata Knight Riders’ academy, said.
Nayar, who was a quality seam bowler and a handy left-handed batsman, was discarded from Mumbai team during the 2017-18 season.
He then moved to Puducherry last season and played four matches. The highlight of his Puducherry stint was a five-wicket haul against Sikkim.
Since July 2018, Nayar has been the lead coach and mentor of KKR Academy in Bengaluru. This season, he has been promoted as the assistant coach of KKR, with former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has been appointed as head coach of the franchise.
