Shane Watson Joins KKR as an Assistant Coach: Kolkata Knight Riders is making a big change before IPL 2026. After appointing Abhishek Nair as head coach for IPL 2026, Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday appointed former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as assistant coach.

KKR gave this information on its official ‘X’ handle. He has confirmed the appointment of Watson as assistant coach. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Shane Watson to the KKR family. His experience as a player and coach at the highest level will contribute immensely to our team culture and preparation. His understanding of the T20 format is world-class, and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore wrote on Twitter.

After becoming the assistant coach of KKR, Watson said, “It is a great honor for me to be a part of an iconic franchise like KKR. I have always admired the passion of the KKR fans and the team’s commitment to excellence. I look forward to working closely with the coaching group and players to lead Kolkata to another title.”

Watson has vast experience in the IPL as a player and coach, which will prove vital for KKR.

The former Australian legend has served as the assistant coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2022 and 2023. If we look at Watson’s IPL career as a player, he has scored 3,874 runs in 145 matches at a strike rate of 137.91 and an average of 30.99, scoring 4 centuries and 21 half-centuries. Also took 92 wickets.

If we look at his international T20 career, he has 48 wickets in his name along with scoring 1,462 runs with the help of 1 century and 10 half-centuries in 58 matches.