One of the key figures in the Kolkata Knight Riders’ journey to an IPL title victory in 2024, following two challenging seasons in 2022 and 2023, was their assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar. The experienced cricketer received praise from Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer after KKR’s triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final held in Chennai last month. Nayar’s influence extended beyond the IPL, as he played a pivotal role in Dinesh Karthik’s remarkable return to the T20 World Cup squad in 2022.
Recently, a video clip circulated on social media showing Nayar facing a challenging question during an interview with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast. The interviewer inquired about the impact of personal relationships on players’ performance, considering the common belief that such relationships can affect athletes’ focus and results.
Nayar echoed the sentiments of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario, who led his team to victory in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. When asked if the win was better than anything he had ever experienced, Ronaldo responded with an intriguing statement: “I have had sex several times before some games. It helps you concentrate. Not all the coaches let you have sex before a match though. I have noticed that in some games, I played better because I had sex before them.”
During an interview on ‘The Ranveer Show’, Nayar was initially puzzled by the question posed by the anchor. However, he went on to explain that while abstaining from having sex may have worked for a few players, it hasn’t been as effective for the majority. This suggests that the decision to abstain has always been more of a personal choice for players.
“Final topic, sex in cricket? Is it a factor in the lives of players?” asked Ranveer.
“Are you asking this in a positive way or a negative way? You’ve asked a very open-ended question. It will happen. Which human being will survive without it? But is it good or bad? Is that your question? Or is your question ‘kitna hota hai (how frequently does it take place)’?” replied Nayar.
Nayar highlighted the absence of a universal guideline, emphasizing that it ultimately comes down to personal preference. He also recognized the intense pressure that players experience, both on the field with criticism from pundits and supporters, and off the field with constant media scrutiny. As a result, he observed that individuals frequently turn to physical activity as a way to relieve stress in the face of such challenging circumstances.
“It’s normal for anyone to do it. It’s different for everybody.
. There’s this constant fight and conundrum in every cricketer’s mind. Some people will like it, some will abstain. Some cricketers do believe that their power and focus tend to improve if they don’t have sex, while others follow that and end up concluding that nothing has changed for them. So, this is a very individual thing. There’s no thumb rule. The fact is, at different phases in life, different things work. No one’s desperate, but sometimes there’s so much pressure that you want to chill,” shared Nayar.
Nayar’s comments bring to light a topic rarely discussed openly in the sporting world, yet it is an element that players, coaches, and support staff privately navigate. Whether it boosts performance or distracts, personal relationships and their dynamics invariably play a role in an athlete’s journey.
As the assistant coach gears up for the next season, he will once again be a pivotal figure in KKR’s strategy and morale-building activities. The 2025 IPL season is not only anticipated because of the competitive matches but also due to the highly awaited mega auction that precedes it. In this event, teams aim to fortify their squads, striking a balance between experienced icons and promising young talent.
Besides this, Nayar is expected to carry forward the lessons learned from KKR’s victorious campaign and integrate them into their preparation and execution strategies for the next season. His ability to bond personally with players, understanding and addressing the intricate web of their professional and personal lives, has emerged as one of his strengths.
Additionally, it is anticipated that Nayar’s holistic approach, combining technical coaching with mental and emotional support, will continue to benefit not just the players but the entire team dynamic. This method, reflecting the realities of modern cricket, acknowledges that athletes are more than their physical abilities.
While the discussion on personal lives and their impact remains open-ended, the undebated reality is that cricket, like any intense professional sport, demands balance on multiple fronts. Navigating this balance, according to Nayar, is a personal journey where there is no universal playbook. Amidst these narratives, Nayar’s insights offer a glimpse into the evolving support systems behind the athletes’ success stories.
As he prepares for another demanding season, the value of his contribution to KKR’s strategic and personal development can hardly be overstated. Alongside the upcoming mega auction, the franchise’s journey and Nayar’s role will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, making for an exciting cricketing year ahead.
