In a move that caught many off guard, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly terminated assistant coach Abhishek Nayar’s contract, sparking discussions and quiet outrage within the cricketing community. But what truly set social media abuzz was a subtle yet telling reaction from India’s star leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy.
Varun’s Quiet Gesture Speaks Volumes
Just hours after news broke about Nayar’s premature exit from the coaching setup, Varun Chakaravarthy took to Instagram Stories and shared a photo that subtly voiced his feelings without uttering a single word. The snapshot featured Varun and Nayar during an IPL training session with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — a franchise where both have shared a deep professional bond.
Interestingly, Varun chose not to add any caption, emoji, or cryptic remark. Instead, he simply tagged Abhishek Nayar in large, visible text, making sure the tag stood out rather than being hidden or minimized — something Instagram allows users to do if they want to be discreet. This choice was seen as a silent yet powerful show of support for his former mentor.
The KKR Connection: A Bond Beyond Team India
Varun’s relationship with Nayar runs deeper than just their time on the Indian national team. Before earning a national call-up, Varun honed his skills at the KKR camp, where Nayar, as head of the franchise’s academy, played a pivotal role in his development. Nayar has been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup since 2018, and Varun has flourished under his guidance since joining the team in 2020.
Thanks to his consistent performances in the IPL, Varun was twice retained by KKR ahead of the franchise’s mega auctions — a clear testament to his impact. Nayar, along with team mentor Gautam Gambhir, was often credited for fostering a strong, cohesive, and motivating environment inside the KKR dressing room, which many believe played a significant role in the team’s on-field success.
The duo’s partnership bore fruit when KKR clinched the IPL title last season — an achievement that further cemented Nayar’s reputation as not just a coach but a mentor who shaped cricketers beyond technical skill.
Transition to Team India and Sudden Departure
Following their success at KKR, both Gambhir and Nayar transitioned to roles with the Indian national team. When Rahul Dravid stepped down as head coach after leading India to T20 World Cup glory, Gambhir was appointed as his successor, with Nayar stepping in as his assistant. For Varun, this meant a reunion with two of the mentors who had been instrumental in his professional growth.
Since rejoining the Indian squad, Varun Chakaravarthy has been in remarkable form, especially in T20 Internationals. After making a successful comeback against Bangladesh, he has taken 31 wickets in 12 T20Is. His stellar performances even earned him a late but well-deserved call-up to India’s Champions Trophy squad, where he managed to claim 10 wickets in the tournament.
Throughout this period, Varun has often credited Nayar for refining his skills, boosting his confidence, and playing a crucial role in his development as a world-class spinner.
Nayar’s Exit: A Shocking Turn of Events
Despite his growing reputation, Nayar’s stint with the Indian team was abruptly cut short after just eight months. According to reports, Nayar was informed of the decision last week. While the BCCI has not made an official statement detailing the reasons for his dismissal, media reports suggest that the move was influenced by India’s poor performances at home against New Zealand and the struggles of Indian batsmen during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Nayar, 41, may have had a modest international career — playing only three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) — but he was a stalwart in India’s domestic circuit, amassing over 100 first-class appearances. His reputation as a nurturing mentor, however, had earned him high regard among young and seasoned cricketers alike.
Varun’s Silent Tribute: More Than Just a Post
While Varun’s Instagram story may have lacked a caption or any direct statement, the mere act of posting that photo was a heartfelt nod to the bond the two shared, and a subtle gesture of solidarity during a time when Nayar’s dismissal has left many in the cricketing world surprised and, for some, disappointed.
At a time when other prominent players remained silent, Varun Chakaravarthy’s simple yet meaningful post stood out — underlining not only the deep impact Nayar has had on his career but also the growing sentiment that the former all-rounder’s exit might not have been entirely fair.