Hardik's Heartfelt Hug (Source: @ANI/x.com)
Cricket isn’t just a game the players play, cricket is something they can’t stay away from. With so much time spent away from home, teammates, coaches, and support staff become an extended family. In Team India, fans often witness the friendly bond between the players and the support staff.
Among all the support staff, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar is often seen sharing a brotherly bond with the Indian stars. The Mumbai-based former cricketer has been a constant pillar of support, both on and off the field. Last year, when Hardik Pandya was going through a tough time, his heartfelt hug to Nayar at the airport caught the limelight.
Hardik Pandya And Abhishek Nayar’s Heartfelt Hug
In Mumbai’s domestic circuit, Abhishek Nayar is a well-known face. Over the years, he has helped several cricketers to reshape their careers. After Gautam Gambhir took charge as Team India’s head coach, Abhishek Nayar joined the Indian side as an assistant coach.
Known for unreal all-round abilities, Hardik Pandya is a formidable force on the Indian side. While the T20 World Cup win brought him glory, the all-rounder faced personal turmoil during his divorce from Natasha Stankovic. At that moment, his heartfelt hug to Nayar grabbed the limelight.
As the team gathered at the Mumbai airport while departing for Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series, the Indian all-rounder was seen sharing a heartfelt hug with Abhishek Nayar. The two shared a light moment, and their heartwarming reunion quickly grabbed attention, showcasing the strong bond they share off the field.
Nayar Remains The Strongest Pillar For The Indian Batters
Having years of experience, Abhishek Nayar has always been a trustworthy go-to person for the Indian batters over the years. Be it KL, Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, or even Dinesh Karthik, Nayar has worked tirelessly behind them. As KL Rahul was struggling with his form in the recent past, especially in white-ball cricket, Nayar became a huge support to him.
The wicketkeeper batter was criticized for his poor strike rate in T20 cricket. But Nayar played a crucial role in his T20 comeback. Before the IPL 2025, Rahul was seen working tirelessly with him, and his current form can shut all the critics. Recently, Rahul himself hailed Nayar for the crucial role he played in his resurgence.
And the list is long. Abhishek Nayar played a crucial role in making Dinesh Karthik a fierce finisher. And Shreyas Iyer is another name on the list. As the Indian middle order used to struggle against the short balls, Nayar’s valuable guidance made him one of the best batters against those deliveries. More than just an assistant coach, Nayar’s genuine connection has made him a trusted confidant for many stars.