Former Mumbai cricketer Abhishek Nayar, who was recently working as an assistant coach with the Indian cricket team, has been named as an mentor for the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals franchise in the T20 Mumbai League 2025. After being relieved from his role with the Indian cricket team following Team India’s underwhelming performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia, Nayar also joined defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ coaching staff.
Nayar had previously worked for three-time champions . At the team, Nayar was their main man behind the scenes, taking care of grooming players in the academy. As had reported at the time, during a review meeting conducted soon after the Australia tour, Nayar’s role was questioned by multiple people in the Indian team management. It marked the first instance of the BCCI stepping in to terminate a contract of a support staff handpicked by the head coach.
Besides Nayar, cricket stalwart Paras Mhambrey also has been named as a coach. He will be mentoring ARCS Andheri team.
The two names were mane public by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), when it announced their line-up of coaches and mentors for the T20 Mumbai League 2025. The league is returning after a six-year break. This will be the third season of the league scheduled to take place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium from May 26 to June 8. It will feature eight teams.
“As the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), we are committed to promoting and empowering our local coaches and support staff, ensuring they receive greater opportunities to grow and contribute not only to Mumbai cricket but also to Indian cricket. By nurturing homegrown talent, we aim to strengthen the foundation of our cricketing ecosystem and create pathways for sustained excellence,” said Ajinkya Naik, President of Mumbai Cricket Association in a press release.
The coaching line-up features some of Mumbai’s most seasoned names, with Omkar Salvi (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Rajesh Pawar (ARCS Andheri), Atul Ranade (Triumph Knights Mumbai North East), Amit Dani (Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals), Prashant Shetty (Eagle Thane Strikers), Pravin Tambe (North Mumbai Panthers) and Vinod Raghvan (Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs) named as head coaches of the respective franchises. Head coach of Namo Bandra Blasters will be announced later.
